Youth Group Urges Government to Prioritise Ending Open Defecation

Piqued by the high rate of open defecation in Nigeria, the YouthWASH initiative has called on governments to expedite actions to end the menace in the country.

The group, which raised concerns that out of the 774 local government areas, only 135 LGAs have been certified Open Defecation Free (ODF), emphasized the need for the government to scale up efforts to ensure every part of the country becomes ODF.

The National YouthWASH Coordinator, Mr. Nature Obikor, stated this during the launch of the YouthWASH Digital Hangout, saying the initiative was being launched to get youths more involved in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

He noted that the role of young persons in promoting sustainable sanitation efforts cannot be overemphasized, saying, “As Nigeria battles the public health and environmental challenges posed by open defecation, YouthWASH and its partners are committed to empowering the next generation of sanitation leaders.

He added, “The fight against open defecation requires a united effort. By equipping young people with the tools and platforms to lead, we can create a cleaner and healthier Nigeria.”

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He explained that the National YouthWASH Digital Media Hangout is an innovative, youth-led virtual platform designed to engage young people, stakeholders, and development partners in interactive discussions, learning, and idea-sharing on WASH issues.

Obikor said the hangout will leverage digital tools such as webinars, live social media sessions, and interactive forums to create an inclusive space for collaboration and advocacy.

In a bid to promote awareness of WASH challenges and solutions, he said the YouthWASH Hangout will advocate for improved policies and investment in WASH services, as well as train and equip youths with skills to lead WASH campaigns in their communities.

He added that the hangout will also enable participants to showcase digital tools and innovations for monitoring, reporting, and improving WASH services, as well as encourage the development of tech-based solutions to address WASH challenges.

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On collaboration and partnerships, the National Coordinator said the youth group will foster partnerships between youth groups, government agencies, and development partners, and provide a platform for stakeholders to share programs and initiatives.

He noted that they also intend to address stigmas and misconceptions around sanitation and hygiene practices and empower youths to monitor WASH services in their communities using digital tools.

He said, “The YouthWASH Digital Hangout aims to position young people as key drivers of change in achieving sustainable WASH goals, with a focus on inclusion, innovation, and impact.”