By Grace Samuel
The Oyo State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, is set to expand the Open Defecation Free (ODF) program to include more Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.
Mrs. Titilayo Obayemi, the Director of Sanitation at the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), announced this on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, in an interview in Ibadan.
Ibarapa-East Local Government Area has been selected as the third LGA to be included in the ODF program, with the selection process described as fair and transparent.
Obayemi outlined that the roadmap aims to strategically eliminate open defecation in all 33 local government areas by 2028.
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Expressing concern about the prevalence of open defecation in the state, she emphasized the government’s commitment to achieving a society free from open defecation by the set target.
The ODF project was initially initiated in Egbeda and Ona Ara LGAs as a test, mobilizing stakeholders with UNICEF’s assistance.
Significant progress has been made, influencing 15 out of the 22 wards in Egbeda and Ona Ara LGAs, with plans to expand to the remaining wards this year.
Approximately 1,000 communities in the two council areas have been positively influenced to become open defecation free.
Obayemi commended UNICEF for their support in promoting Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in the state.
However, she called on additional donors and corporate organizations to enhance government initiatives, expressing confidence that with sufficient support, the ODF program can be implemented simultaneously in all 33 local government areas.
The goal is to make Oyo State open defecation free before 2028.
