The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving public health and sanitation with the launch of a statewide sensitization campaign, aimed at eradicating open defecation. The initiative, implemented through the Kwara State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) is in collaboration with the Kwara for Kwarans Initiatives, a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) campaigning against open defecation, which is to commence on January 31, 2026, at the Oja Tuntun Market, Ilorin.
The sensitization programme will focus on educating market women on the health, social, and environmental dangers of open defecation, while promoting the adoption of sustainable sanitation and hygiene practices.
Oja Tuntun Market, one of the busiest commercial hubs in the State, was strategically selected to ensure wide reach and community impact.
The event is expected to attract market women, traditional and community leaders, relevant stakeholders, as well as public health and sanitation experts. Senior government officials and dignitaries are also expected to be in attendance, underscoring the State government’s strong political will to end open defecation in Kwara State.
Open defecation remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with over 47 million Nigerians reportedly still practicing it. The consequences include the spread of preventable diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, and typhoid.
The Kwara State Government has continued to implement policies, programmes, and partnerships, aimed at improving sanitation, hygiene, and access to clean water across both rural and urban communities.
According to the State government, the Oja Tuntun Market sensitization campaign represents a strategic step towards achieving Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status in Kwara State. By engaging market women, who play influential roles within households and communities, the government aims to stimulate behavioural change that will extend beyond the market environment into homes and neighbourhoods across the State.
The Kwara State Rural Water Supply and Sanitaion Agency responsible for rural water supply and sanitation, is leading the technical and implementation aspects of the campaign, while leveraging community-based platforms; Kwara for Kwarans to ensure effective grassroots engagement and sustainability of outcomes.The initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all through sustained sensitization, community participation, and strategic partnerships.
The Kwara State Government continues to demonstrate its resolve to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and improve the quality of life for all residents of the State.
Afolabi Temple
Press secretary
RUWASSA
08146017560.
Post a Comment