As part of the activities marking his administration’s first year in the second term, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN has stated his government’s readiness to end Open Defecation in the State in no distant time.
The Governor spoke through his Deputy, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the Launch/Flag-off of Statewide Mass Sensitization and Advocacy Programme on Open Defecation tagged ” CLEAN HOME, HAPPY FAMILY, USE THE TOILET” campaign.
The event was held at Akure Sports Stadium, Akure on Monday.
Taken the awareness to the people, Ondo State Deputy Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa led other dignitaries and students for a Road Show Walk from Adegbemile Cultural Center to the venue of the event, which is Akure Sports Stadium, Akure.
The Country is still reeling under open defecation which has become an embarrassment to the government.
But Governor Akeredolu assured all that “no efforts will be speared to achieve open defecation free objective” .
“If we sustain the present momentum, I can assure you that, Ondo State is on the right course of becoming an open defecation free State in no distant time” , promised the Governor.
The Governor was not happy about the low rating of the State on open defecation.
“The position of the State is unacceptable to us as a government, hence, the need for everybody to collectively join hands with us to stamp out this Social menace and change the narrative for good”, he appealed.
“We shall continue to intensify efforts at enlightenment advocacy and encouragement of value orientation, among other measures to deepen and sustain the campaign against open defecation”, the Governor promised.
The Minister of Water Resources, Engr Suleiman H. Adamu FNSE, FAEng, who was at the event was delighted by the high turnout of people, and also the commitment shown by Ondo State Government in putting an end to open defecation in the state.
“Ondo State has overtime demonstrated the drive to be among the progressive WASH focused states in the Country and today’s event is another demonstration of this drive” , said the Minister.
“The domestication of Clean Nigeria Campaign in Ondo State with the linkage to family health is commendable” , declared Engr Adamu.
In her own welcome address, Ondo State Commissioner of Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Hon (Mrs) Yetunde Adeyanju implored residents of the State on the need for behavioral change and imbibe the culture of Safe and Sustainable Sanitation, saying that “Mr Governor has given us a marching order on Clean Ondo State, Use Toilet and Stop Open Defecation” .
In attendance are, Ondo State House of Assembly Speaker, represented by Hon Suliaman Maito, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale, Head of Service, Pastor John Adeyemo, House of Assembly members, State Cabinet members, Loca Government Chairmen and Councilors, Development Partners, Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Health Officers, Market Women, Secondary School Students and others.
