The Kaduna State government has certified nine local government areas (LGAs) as open defecation-free (ODF).

The certified LGAs are Jaba, Kaura, Giwa, Jema’a, Kudan, Kauru, Soba, Zangon Kataf, and Kubau.

The certification was done at a celebration organised by the Kaduna State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) in collaboration with UNICEF on Friday in Kaduna.

Governor Uba Sani, represented by his deputy, Hadiza Balarabe, said the ODF LGAs represented a remarkable milestone in the state government’s collective effort to improve the health and well-being of Kaduna State’s citizens.

Mr Sani emphasised that the feat was significant because it marked a progressive journey towards eliminating the harmful practice of open defecation and moving closer to achieving a healthier and more dignified life for all citizens.

He stressed that open defecation had severe consequences for public health, particularly affecting children.

The governor recalled that health indicators from the Health Account (2007-2021) told a sobering story, with preventive health measures accounting for just 5.3 per cent and curative efforts at a stagnant 23.0 per cent.

He noted that the figures were unacceptable and clearly showed the need for a paradigm shift.

Cristian Munduate, Country Representative, UNICEF Nigeria, said the event recognised the successes achieved in the nine LGAs and served as a powerful call to action for others.

While applauding the construction of improved toilets in the celebrated LGAs, she expressed concern that only about 30 per cent of the state’s population resided in the ODF LGAs.

Mr Munduate advocated for a renewed push towards achieving zero open defecation in the shortest possible time.

She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to providing support to ensure access to quality and sustained Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in Kaduna State.

Earlier, the director-general of RUWASSA, Mubarak Ladan, said the achievement was a testament to the collective efforts of the Kaduna State government, RUWASSA, and UNICEF in improving citizens’ health and well-being.

Mr Ladan urged all stakeholders to commit to ending the practice of open defecation in Kaduna State.

Shuaibu Jaja, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), thanked the Kaduna State government, RUWASSA, and UNICEF for their support and collaboration.

(NAN)