FOMWAN advocates for safer cleaner environment

Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has canvassed improved hygiene for all through elimination of open defecation, which causes diseases, especially for vulnerable population.

The association had embarked on advocacy with relevant authorities to ensure that communities have good social amenities, particularly public toilets and hygienic environment.

And increase access to water and sanitation services, the group launched water projects across several communities in Lagos State, in commemoration of this year’s World Water Day.

Speaking during a press briefing to commence the group’s yearly celebration, themed, ‘My community, My pride’, holding between Wednesday June 2 and Sunday June 6, the chief host and Amirah FOMWAN Lagos State Chapter, Dr. Halima Egberongbe, said the week is an annual programme of the association, which is usually observed during the first week of June.

“The objective is to assess the association’s progress both at national and state levels for the year, to reflect on what we have been able to achieve so far, where we are and project into the future in terms of where we want to be.”

She said the theme of this year’s weeklong activity ‘My community, My pride’, is modified to reflect specific needs of the association’s adopted communities, by promoting general well-being and stopping open defecation.

Egberongbe said: “Most of our adopted communities have identified their areas of need since March 2021, when we launched a water project across several communities in the state, in commemoration of this year’s World Water Day to meet the needs of our people. This is a continuation of the project, which is a manifestation of great things to happen in those communities.

“ In November 2018, as part of the country’s struggle with high rates of water borne diseases, the president, Muhammadu Buhari declared a state of emergency on water, sanitation and hygiene. NGO’s have since been working to address various, issues in line with this, especially on open defecation.”

Egberongbe highlights of the event as flagship of the celebration, advocacy visit to adopted communities, visit to and cleaning of markets, special Jumah services, cleaning exercise in markets and special prayer for the nation”

She noted that the association is working with adopted communities on the issue of indiscriminate dumping grounds and open defecation. “This social anomaly has no doubt been mind-boggling because of its effect on health and implications on social and economic well-being of citizens.

“While we look forward to future communities devoid of health hazards, it is our ardent prayer that the intervention embarked upon by the association this year would go a long way to greatly impact the social economic well-being of people of Lagos State.”

Assistant Coordinator South West one, Alhaja Sariyu Sanusi, commended the Lagos chapter for quick action in achieving projects. She urged members of the chapter to continue to support the Amirah