Oyo, UNICEF to eliminate open defecation with Satopan toilets

The Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (OYORUWASSA) has entered partnership with the United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and LIXIL representatives from Kenya to ensure SATO PAN toilets are installed across the state, towards eliminating open defecation in the State by 2028.

While speaking during the inspection of some communities at Egbeda and Ona Ara axis of Ibadan, the Chairman of the Agency, Hon Babalola Afobaje, lauded Governor Seyi Makinde and UNICEF for their unwavering support in fostering a clean and healthy environment, particularly for children.

The chairman assured that the agency’s sanitation efforts would benefit both urban and rural residents, promoting the use of SATO PAN toilets to achieve this goal.

Speaking also during the inspection, the General Manager, OYORUWASSA, Mr. Adeduntan Mumeen, stressed the importance of SATO PAN toilets as a swift solution to the open defecation challenge.

He reiterated that Oyo State would attain open defecation-free status through the collaborative efforts of all relevant stakeholders.

UNICEF WASH Specialist, Mr. Monday Johnson, said that increased access to SATO PAN toilets would lead to a healthier environment and ultimately end open defecation in the state.

He urged stakeholders to educate the public on the benefits of maintaining a clean environment and praised OYORUWASSA, LGAs, and Toilet Business Owners (TBOs) for their contributions to this cause.

Also, the representative from LIXIL Organisation, Mr. Samuel Langat stated that the use of SATO PAN toilets is essential for living in a clean environment.

Langat said that the team’s visit was aimed at engaging critical stakeholders and Toilets business owners (TBOs) regarding the sales, installation, and usage of SATO products.

He added that by 2030, everyone should have access to smart toilets through the use of SATO products.

Present at the event were Directors of Sanitation Egbeda LGA, Mrs. Victoria Baale, and Ona Ara LGA, Mrs. Rashidat Popoola.