Rotary International moves to tackle open defecation in Nigeria
By George George Idowu
The newly installed District Governor of Rotary International, District 9142, Professor Nkemdili Nnonyelu, has announced plans to spend N112 million to address open defecation (OD) challenges in 14 public primary schools across seven states in the country.
The states are Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, and Cross River State.
Speaking at his installation at the International Convention Centre in Awka, Anambra State, Nnonyelu, a Sociology and Anthropology professor at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, emphasized Rotary’s focus on water and sanitation, basic education, economic development, and maternal and child health.
Nnonyelu highlighted Rotary’s commitment to constructing toilet facilities and drilling water boreholes in these public schools.
He further disclosed that Rotary will invest in maternal and child health programs, mental health assistance, cancer screenings, and malaria prevention.
Reacting to the gesture, Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo praised Rotary’s efforts, aligning them with his administration’s initiatives.
Former Anambra Governor Peter Obi underscored the importance of ethical leadership in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
Rotary officials, including Rotarian Tochi Amalu, dispelled myths about the organization, emphasizing its dedication to humanitarian causes such as polio eradication, clean water, and educational support.