Nine local government areas in Kaduna State have been officially validated as Open Defecation Free (ODF).
The state government in collaboration with UNICEF, celebrated this achievement yesterday in its efforts to end open defecation.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders and international partners, to recognise the progress made in eradicating open defecation and recommit to the goal of achieving a state-wide ODF status
According to a statement issued by UNICEF’s Susan Kaila in Abuja, with nine LGAs representing 39% of the population now ODF, the state is making significant progress.
“Kaduna State is determined to achieve state-wide Open Defecation Free (ODF) status by 2025, as no challenge is insurmountable. Open defecation leaves our communities vulnerable to preventable diseases, and we must ask ourselves: if one community is not ODF, are we not all at risk? The progress we’ve made is commendable, but more action is needed,” Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, deputy governor of Kaduna State, said.
“Today’s achievement is a testament to the dedication of the Kaduna State Government and its people. However, with over 600,000 people still practising open defecation, our work is far from over. UNICEF remains steadfast in its support, and we urge all stakeholders to intensify their efforts to achieve a 0% open defecation rate in Kaduna State as quickly as possible. The health and well-being of our children depend on it.” Cristian Munduate, the Country Representative of UNICEF in Nigeria stated.