The Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State has achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.
The achievement was celebrated in Ikenne on Tuesday.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, described the achievement as a milestone for public health and community wellbeing.
Utsev, represented by Mr Ibiyemi Olu-Daniels, a Director in the Ministry, explained that this was in line with the ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet’ campaign, which aimed to end open defecation by 2025.
He noted that 135 LGAs had now reached ODF status.
While stressing the necessity of cross-sector cooperation to guarantee universal access to sanitation and hygiene, he urged the state to keep working toward obtaining ODF status overall and to make consistent efforts to further Nigeria’s development objectives.
Speaking, Ogun State First Lady, Bamidele Abiodun, emphasized the value of teaching children good hygiene habits like washing their hands and pointed out that only 135 of Nigeria’s 774 local governments have achieved ODF status.
She praised the accomplishments of community-led sanitation initiatives that were backed by UNICEF and the state government, resulting in the declaration of ODF-free status in 171 areas.
In order to maintain momentum, she urged more creativity and cooperation and thanked stakeholders and local government officials for their contributions.
The Ogun State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency’s (RUWATSAN) Programme Manager, Sola Ogunbo, commended the council’s progress in environmental sustainability and public health.
He disclosed that efforts to end open defecation and provide access to sanitary facilities had significantly improved the quality of life for the locals.