The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has stressed the need for a multi-sectoral approach to achieving Open Defecation (ODF), free in the state.
He said this while declaring open a 2-Day Consultative workshop on “the Enugu State ODF Roadmap, ” in Enugu.
The workshop was organised by the Enugu State Government, in partnership with the UNICEF and the ActionAid.
Mbah, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said that the roadmap was a call for action.
“This engagement must be a multi sectoral engagement; it’s a public health emergency; and a developmental project for us. It is also a matter of dignity.
“It also complements the human development index of this administration, ” he said.
He urged the participants, which included stakeholders from various sectors, to come out with a roadmap that would be achievable for the state government.
“We want a roadmap that can help us move from where we are to where we ought to be.
“This plan must be owned by all stakeholders. We must recognise that achieving Enugu State Open Defecation free requires a collective responsibility, ” Mbah said.
Speaking, the state Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Ben Ndu, said the state government had demonstrated strong commitment to achieving ODF through enactment of laws.
He expressed appreciation to the UNICEF and ActionAid for their support in the efforts by the state in achieving ODF free environment.
He disclosed that the Igbo Etiti local government area of the state, has been declared ODF free, adding that more LGAs would follow suit in no distance time.
Speaking to Journalists on the situation of ODF in Enugu State, the UNICEF Wash Chief in Nigeria, Engr. Emily Rand, said the situation in the state was very worrisome.
According to her UNICEF’s partnership with the state is to help the state achieve ODF free and save the vulnerable children of Enugu State.
She disclosed that, 74 per cent of children in Enugu State drink contaminated water, maintaining that the state has the worst ODF situation in the entire South East region of Nigeria.
She stressed the urgent need for more efforts by all stakeholders in the state and donor partners to reduce the menace.
“We want to join all the stakeholders in ensuring that the children of Enugu State have healthy living, ” he said.
Dr Timeyin Uwe jamomere, of Mangrove and Partners, Project Consultants, stressed the need for more budgetary provisions toward achieving ODF free in the state.
In his review of the “state of sanitation in Enugu State: An overview of ODF roadmap, ” Uwe Jamomere called for more groups sensitisation in achieving open defecation free in the state.
“Traditional institutions, youth leaders, religious leaders and other critical stakeholders should join hands in sensitising the communities to stop open defecation, ” he said.
Participants at the workshop included representatives of various ministries, the media, transport unions, civil society organizations amongst others.
