By Gbenga Akingbule
Borno State Government in conjunction with United Nations Children’s Funds, (UNICEF ) on Tuesday launched a campaign to end open defecation in all parts of the state.
Gatekeepers News reports that state Deputy Governor, Hon Usman Kadafur who represented Governor Babagana Zulum at the occasion charged all stakeholders, particularly the Local Government Council Chairmen and Traditional Rulers to ensure the campaign reaches all nooks and crannies of the state.
This was made known during the launch of the Borno State ODF Roadmap Flag Off Campaign For Open Defecation Free Borno State held at the Musa Usman State Secretariat, Maiduguri, Borno State Capital.
Kadafur stated that the state government will give the campaign top priority to make the state free of open defecation.
According to Kadafur “clean Borno State means a prosperous people. Together, we can bequeath the legacy of clean Borno to generations.”
The Deputy governor acknowledged the efforts of traditional rulers at ending open defecation but urged them to redouble their efforts at making all parts of the state free of open defecation.
Kadafur directed Ministries Department and Agencies (MDAs) to alter their activities and ensure that the campaign against open defecation is given top priority.
He therefore charged stakeholders with the need for immediate action on improved access to Water Sanitation and Hygiene WASH in Borno State
UNICEF Chief of Borno Field Office, Phuong Nguyen who represented the UNICEF Country Rep said the provision of toilets and water infrastructure is critical but also emphasized the importance of individual behaviour.
“It’s not enough to have toilets or water; people must understand their significance. Open defecation and poor hygiene practices lead to severe health consequences, including diarrhoea and malnutrition, which stunts children’s growth and affects their ability to learn,” she said.
Nguyen revealed that open defecation disproportionately affects girls, as inadequate sanitation facilities often prevent them from attending school during their menstrual periods.
Two local government councils of Biu and Shani were however presented with a certificate after being declared free from open defecation by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.
