Ilorin, Kwara State - January 19, 2026 - In a bold move to improve public health and sanitation, the Kwara for Kwarans Initiative, in collaboration with the Kwara State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (Kwara RUWASSA), is set to launch a sensitization campaign aimed at eradicating open defecation across the state. The program will kick off on January 31, 2026, at Oja Tun-Tun Market, a bustling commercial hub in Ilorin, with a focus on educating market women about the dangers of open defecation and promoting sustainable sanitation practices.
The event is expected to draw a large crowd of market women, community leaders, and stakeholders, as well as high-profile guests, including the GM for Kwara State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency [RUWASSA], Honourable Commissioner for Health, Honourable Barrister Oba Mogaji, Majority Leader of the Kwara State House of Assembly (KWHA), representatives from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) office, the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, and Chief Dr. Raji Rasaq, Special Adviser on Health to the Kwara State Government. Other dignitaries and experts in public health and sanitation are also expected to attend.
Open defecation remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, with Kwara State being one of the states working to eliminate the practice. According to recent data, over 47 million Nigerians still practice open defecation, a situation that poses serious health risks, including the spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid. The Kwara State Government has been proactive in addressing this issue, with initiatives like the Clean Kwara Campaign and partnerships with organizations like UNICEF to promote sanitation and hygiene.
The upcoming sensitization program at Oja Tun-Tun Market is a critical step in the state's efforts to achieve open defecation-free (ODF) status. By targeting market women, who are key influencers in their communities, the campaign aims to create a ripple effect that will spread awareness and encourage behavioral change across Kwara State. The event will feature presentations from health experts, interactive sessions, and distribution of educational materials to ensure that participants understand the importance of using toilets and maintaining proper hygiene.
The Kwara for Kwarans Initiative, a grassroots organization, has been instrumental in driving community development projects in the state. Partnering with Kwara RUWASSA, a state agency responsible for rural water supply and sanitation, the initiative is leveraging its community networks to amplify the message of sanitation and hygiene. The collaboration is expected to yield significant results, as it combines the agency's technical expertise with the initiative's community engagement capabilities.
The sensitization program is also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. By addressing open defecation, Kwara State is contributing to the global effort to improve public health and reduce the environmental impact of poor sanitation practices.
As the January 31 event approaches, anticipation is building among stakeholders and the public. The presence of high-profile guests and the strategic location at Oja Tun-Tun Market, a central hub for commerce and social interaction, are expected to maximize the impact of the campaign. The Kwara State Government has expressed its commitment to supporting initiatives that improve the quality of life for its citizens, and this program is a testament to that commitment.
The Kwara for Kwarans Initiative and Kwara RUWASSA are calling on all residents, especially market women, to attend the event and take advantage of the information and resources that will be provided. With concerted efforts from government, community organizations, and citizens, Kwara State is on track to become a model for sanitation and public health in Nigeria.
Contact: For more information, please contact Kwara for Kwarans Initiative on 07039617838 via WhatsApp or Call.
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