FG declares two Benue LGAs open defecation-free
The federal government has declared Ado and Ohimini local government areas (LGAs) of Benue open defecation-free (ODF).
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Terlumun Utsev, made the declaration on Tuesday in Oturkpo.
Mr Utsev, represented by the director of quality control and sanitation, Elizabeth Ugoh, stated that about 48 million people in Nigeria were practising open defecation.
The minister decried that open defecation had been a challenge worldwide and expressed concern that it made Nigeria the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“We understand that we need to do much more if we are to eliminate open defecation and achieve 100 per cent access to sanitation and hygiene in the country.
“By eliminating open defecation, we are taking a crucial step toward achieving better sanitation, which translates to fewer diseases, higher productivity, and greater dignity for our people,” Mr Utsev said.
In his remarks, Chief WASH, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)-Nigeria, Jane Bevan, said the organisation would continue to support all the 23 LGAs in Benue to achieve ODF status.
She stated that 11 of the 23 LGAs had attained the status so far.
Benue Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, Ugwu Odoh, in a remark, said the achievement was a testimony to the collective resolve, perseverance and unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Benue citizens.
“This accomplishment would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of numerous stakeholders, including community leaders, partners, UNICEF, Self-Help Africa, and WaterAid, whose technical expertise and resources significantly contributed to our success.
“Others to also share in the achievement are the Federal Government under the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, local government officials, and other stakeholders,” MsOdeh said.
The Acting General Manager, Benue Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (BERWASA), Tony Mkpen, appreciated Governor Hyacinth Alia’s tremendous support of donor-supported programmes.
(NAN)
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