The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, in collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Power and Public Utilities, has organized a two-day engagement, sensitization, and capacity-building workshop to kick-start the Open Defecation Free Abia program.
Addressing participants at the workshop themed “Clean Nigeria, Use the Toilet Campaign,” the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, described the initiative as aligning with Governor Alex Otti’s developmental agenda.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation for bringing the campaign to Abia.
Engr. Ikechukwu who urged residents to support the Governor’s vision to eradicate open defecation, emphasized its impact on public health, the environment, and economic well-being of the people.
“This issue affects our health, environment, and general well-being. His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, has mandated that Abia must be open defecation free by the end of his administration.
“Open defecation is not just a sanitation issue; it is a public health crisis, a matter of dignity, and has economic implications”, he stated.
The Commissioner warned that defecating on the roadsides, bushes, and near water sources leads to deadly diseases.
He also highlighted a UNICEF report indicating that only 2% of Abians practice open defecation, making it feasible for the state to achieve zero open defecation status.
“Most homes in Abia have toilets. The challenge lies in institutional facilities such as schools, markets, and local offices. By tackling this issue local government by local government, we can eradicate open defecation soon”, he assured.
Engr Ikechukwu revealed that Governor Otti has approved the installation of 10 ultra-modern public toilet facilities across Abia, starting with Umuahia in the first phase, with plans to expand the project to every Local Government.
The Commissioner noted that this initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Number Six which focuses on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).
He called on community leaders, village heads, school administrators, and residents to embrace behavioral changes that will help achieve the goal.
In her remarks, the representative of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mrs. Chizuma Opara commended Abia State for its commitment, emphasizing that the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign is a behavioral change movement that requires collective effort.
“Ending Open defecation means that we must work together,” she stated.
She noted that out of 774 local government areas in Nigeria, 142 have been certified open defecation free, adding that the campaign was launched on November 19, 2019, to drive nationwide awareness.
In their goodwill messages, the Mayor of Ikwuano LGA, Dr. Anthony Nwaubani (represented by Hon. Ahamefula Azuonwu, and the Director General of BCA (represented by Chibuzo Maduka-Iro) lauded the initiative and appreciated the organizers for bringing the sensitization campaign to Abia.
