The Kwara State Government, through its Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Usman Yunusa Lade, has affirmed its commitment to collaborate with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in the drive to eradicate open defecation within the state.

During a visit to the commissioner’s office in Ilorin, UNICEF Wash Specialist, Mrs. Theressa Pammer, discussed potential avenues of support for Kwara State’s efforts to eliminate open defecation. Hon. Lade conveyed the state government’s dedication by allocating 200 million naira to install toilets and wash facilities in health, education institutions, and marketplaces.

Hon. Lade highlighted the recently initiated campaign against open defecation as a proactive step to educate and sensitize the public about the necessity of having proper toilet facilities in their communities. He also engaged state and National Assembly members to contribute by providing wash facilities in their constituencies to amplify the campaign across the state.

The commissioner called upon individuals, organizations, and non-governmental bodies to join hands with the government in achieving this vital public health goal.

Mrs. Theressa Pammer commended Kwara State’s progress in increasing clean water access, citing a significant rise from less than 50% in 2018 to 74% in 2021 according to the Water Sanitation and Hygiene Committee (WASH-COM) survey. She stressed the need for stringent measures to sustain these improvements and urged the state government to work toward achieving 100% drinkable water supply for its residents.

Mrs. Pammer emphasized the crucial role of hygiene in maintaining a healthy environment and called for the provision of wash facilities in education institutions, health centers, and public places across the state. She expressed UNICEF’s commitment to continuing its support for Kwara State in these endeavors.

In response, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Christiana Omolola Asonibare, expressed gratitude for UNICEF’s interest and commitment. She called for a robust collaboration between the organization and the state government to further elevate Kwara to greater heights in water accessibility and sanitation.
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