The federal government has commended Ikenne Local Government in Ogun State for achieving Open Defecation Free status, calling it a milestone for public health and community wellbeing.

At the formal celebration in Ikenne on Tuesday, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, acknowledged the importance of the achievement in improving the lives of women and children.

Mr Utsev was represented by a director in the ministry, Ibiyemi Olu-Daniels.

He referenced the ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet’ campaign, which aimed to end open defecation by 2025, and said that 135 LGAs had now reached ODF status.

He urged the state to continue its efforts towards achieving ODF status across board, while emphasising the need for collaboration across sectors to ensure universal access to sanitation and hygiene.

He encouraged sustained efforts in the state to advance Nigeria’s development goals.

Ogun First Lady, Bamidele Abiodun, spoke about the economic benefits of achieving ODF status and the ongoing initiatives to address sanitation issues.

Ms Abiodun stressed the importance of teaching children hygiene practices, such as handwashing, and noted that only 135 out of 774 local governments in Nigeria had attained ODF status.

She acknowledged the success of community-led sanitation efforts, supported by the state government and UNICEF, which led to 171 communities being declared ODF-free.

She commended local government leaders and stakeholders for their contributions and called for continued innovation and collaboration to sustain progress.

The Programme Manager of the Ogun State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Sola Ogunbo, praised the advancements in public health and environmental sustainability within the council.

He revealed huge improvements in residents’ quality of life due to initiatives aimed at eliminating open defecation and promoting access to sanitation facilities.

Mr Ogunbo revealed that over 171 communities in Ikenne were now free from open defecation, leading to a substantial decline in such practices.

He also noted improvements in health outcomes, with malaria nearly eliminated and a decrease in other diseases, including neglected tropical diseases.

Citing World Health Organisation statistics, Mr Ogunbo said that every dollar invested in sanitation yielded a $1.50 return, noting the importance of ongoing investment in sanitation infrastructure.

He called for continued support from development partners and encouraged investors to include sanitation facilities in their plans.

Mr Ogunbo acknowledged the David Alaba Foundation for its $10,000 donation to construct ten biodegradable toilet facilities in Kara Market, Ogere.

According to him, such support is essential for sustaining public health and sanitation progress in Ikenne.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives from UNICEF, Satopan Lixil Technologies, and the Commissioners of Environment and Rural Development, as well as traditional rulers.

The event culminated in the formal presentation of a certificate, plaque, and flag to the First Lady and state representatives. 

(NAN)