The Borno State Government in partnership with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), has launched a roadmap aimed at eradicating open defecation in the state.
The initiative which is spearheaded by the state’s Ministry of Water Resources and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, was unveiled at a ceremony with the theme: “Towards an open defecation-free Borno: Commitments and actions for every child.”
Speaking on behalf of Governor Babagana Zulum, the Deputy Governor, Umar Kadafur, emphasised the importance of sanitation in fostering public health, education, and economic development.
“Access to clean water and functional toilets is essential for maintaining dignity and preventing the spread of diseases,” the governor said
Gov. Zulum urged residents to join the fight against open defecation, saying that “we cannot call ourselves open defecation-free if our markets, motor parks, and public spaces lack clean and functional toilets.”
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Also speaking, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Tijjani Goni, said the initiative reflects the leadership style of Gov. Zulum and the dedication of stakeholders to end open defecation in the state.
Highlighting the state’s sanitation challenges and the need for prioritization, the General Manager of RUWASSA, Mohammed Aliyu, called for continued collaboration between the state and development partners to ensure the success of the roadmap to end open defecation.
The UNICEF representative, Gayida Bulkira, stressed the need for behavioural change and community engagement to sustain progress in ending open defecation in the state.
“We believe Borno State can achieve open defecation free status, and UNICEF is committed to supporting this endeavor,” she said
