Open Defecation: RUWASSA Commended for Inaugurating LTGS Groups

The Kwara State Government has inaugurated  Local Government Sanitation Task Group to coordinate sanitation at the grassroots with a view to promoting healthier living environment across the 16 Local Government Areas in the state.

The State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon Yinusa Lade, who oversees the inauguration of the Group by the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), applauded the Agency for its foresight at setting up the Local Government Task Group on Sanitation (LTGS).

Represented by the Chief Administrative Officer of the Ministry, Mr Olu Oyakanye, the Commissioner highlighted the roles and importance of the Task Group and emphasized that the Groups's presence in both Ilorin West and Ilorin South Local Government Areas would go a long way to make a lasting impact on the lives of residents.

 He explained that the Local Government Task Group was introduced as part of Government's efforts at improving environmental sanitation and promote a healthier living environment across the state.

Lade further highlighted the urgency of effective sanitation governance and stressed the importance of community hygiene enforcement and behavioural change, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, where the challenges are more pronounced.

He added that; "Sanitation is not just about keeping our surroundings clean, but serves as a fundamental pillar of public health and human dignity. Without proper sanitation, communities remain exposed to preventable diseases such as cholera dysentery, typhoid and even malaria.

"While government efforts are crucial, long-lasting change must be driven at the grassroots, consequent upon which the task group was established, with the aim of achieving sustainable sanitation goals."

Citing national data, he noted that poor sanitation remains a significant contributor to infant mortality and  imposes a severe economic burden on both families and the healthcare system at large.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Ilorin South Local Government, Hon. Nuhu Majeed Podo who was  represented by his Chief of Staff, Comrade Ayobamire Samson, urged the newly inaugurated Local Government Task Group on Sanitation (LTGS) members to carry out their duties with sincerity and dedication, as sanitation is a shared responsibility between local residents and the government.

On his part, the General Manager RUWASSA, Mr Olorunfemi Oladipo welcomed the selected Task Force members and told them that the significance of the day’s event goes beyond Kwara State as it holds national relevance, for Nigeria’s sanitation journey.

Mr Oladipo noted that the inauguration of Local Government Task Group on Sanitation (LTGS) marks the foundation upon which Kwara will build towards achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, at both the state and national levels, urging members to see their roles as pivotal, in this ambitious but necessary mission.

He informed the gathering that, Ilorin South and Ilorin West are now being focused, therefore are expected to attain Open Defacation Free (ODF) status within the coming weeks or months, disclosing that Oke Ero Local Government is awaiting final validation from Abuja, having completed all requirements at the state level.

Mr Oladipo assured them that RUWASSA is committed to waging a strong war against open defecation, as this is not only a national target but a global mandate, that Kwara State must meet, in order to improve its status within Nigeria.

Highlighting the significance of this goal, Mr Oladipo, reminded the audience that the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum,  Kwara must therefore set an example by achieving the Open Defacation Free (ODF) status without delay.

He concluded by challenging the Local Task Group on Sanitation (LTGS), to rise to the occasion and reaffirmed that the success of this task now lies in the hands of the agency, the Local Governments and collective will of the people of Kwara State, expressing confidence that the objective is well within reach.

Afolabi Temple 

Press Secretary RUWASSA 

08146017560.