By Milcah Tanimu
The Jigawa government has allocated N500 million to enhance the provision of upgraded latrines in schools, hospitals, markets, and motor parks across the state. This commitment was highlighted by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Ibrahim Hannungiwa, in Dutse on Wednesday.
The government is taking proactive measures to sustain its status as an Open Defecation Free (ODF) state, with a goal of surpassing the national ODF target by 2025. Hannungiwa attributed this achievement to a concerted effort in implementing effective policies and programs in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
To ensure the longevity of the ODF status, the state has established a committee tasked with devising strategies for eradicating the menace completely. Hannungiwa noted that the committee’s work will result in the provision of more standardized public facilities in public areas and along highways in Jigawa State.
He also emphasized the state government’s extensive public awareness campaigns, particularly in rural communities, to underscore the importance of using proper sanitation facilities. Notably, Jigawa State holds the distinction of being the first and only state in Nigeria to be declared open defecation-free by UNICEF. As a recognition of this achievement, the UN Agency has appointed the state governor, Umar Namadi, as an ODF Ambassador.
Governor Umar Namadi is set to present a paper on Nigeria’s efforts in combatting open defecation at an upcoming conference in Canada, further cementing Jigawa State’s commitment to promoting better sanitation practices.
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