The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has collaborated with traditional rulers in the Ibarapa area of Oyo state to put an end to open defecation in the area.
The collaboration is being executed under UNICEF’s WASH project by the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).
Tribune Online had in late 2023 reported United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), saying about 4.3 million people in Oyo still practice open defecation, while 5.6 million people lack decent toilets while calling on the State government to fast-track its effort to meet its target of ending open defecation by 2028.
According to a statement by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, and the General Manager of the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Adeduntan Adeniyi, disclosed the collaboration during a sensitization workshop of critical stakeholders on WASH Implementation in Ibarapa East Local Government.
Adeniyi said that the workshop was aimed at the state to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and improved sanitation by 2025, under the WASH project supported by UNICEF.
Adeniyi noted that the programme would also assist in reducing water and sanitation-related diseases, particularly in rural areas of the state.
He reiterated the determination of Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration to end open defecation in all nooks and crannies of the State.
He declared that the State Government in partnership with UNICEF organized the workshop to sensitize critical stakeholders on Wash implementation in Ibarapa East Local.
“All stakeholders in the Ibarapa-east need to understand the need to embrace WASH activities and take responsibility for the sustainability of the program coming to their LGA.
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“Our traditional leaders need to agree on punitive measures for any household that fails to construct a latrine for use of the family within a given time frame”, Adeniyi urged.
Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers present, the Onilanlate of Lanate, High Chief Olatunji Samuel assured the government of the full support of the people in achieving the goals.
He said this would enhance the glory of the State and their land, adding that it would make Ibarapa East Open defecation free.
Earlier in his goodwill message, WASH Specialist with UNICEF, Monday Johnson, disclosed the intention to make Ibarapa East Open Defecation Free (ODF) in the next six months.
He encouraged other local government Council Areas to emulate the policy by focusing on behavioural change towards the implementation of ODF.
Johnson clarified that UNICEF will not construct toilets for people but will educate people on the importance of maintaining cleanliness, stressing that the community owns the project, not UNICEF.
He also stated that UNICEF has provided 2 motorcycles for the achievement of the ODF programme in Ibarapa East LGA, which OYO RUWASSA will facilitate.
The Executive Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government, Gbenga Gbadebo, added that the LGA will establish a WASH Unit and logistics for the project.
He added that the local government will enlighten its people on the importance of WASH, promising to make available, land for the WASH project and establish WASH units and desk officers.
