Ogun reads riot act on open defecation

Ogun State government has issued a stern warning to henceforth arrest and prosecute open defecation offenders across the state.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Yetunde Dina, who disclosed this during a media chat to mark this year’s National Sanitation Day with the theme: “Stop Open Defecation for Healthy Living, said it is disheartening to see people defecating openly without considering its hazardous implications on their health and that of the society.

Dina said after much sensitisation and persuasion, the state government has no option than to take the drastic action, noting that the Environmental Sanitation Officers have been mandated to effect the arrest order.

The Permanent Secretary also ordered landlords without toilets to do so immediately or have their houses sealed, warning that those managing toilets at public places such as parks and markets to make them more functional and healthy by making water available at all time.

Earlier, Director Environmental Health Management, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Jokosenumi said the day is meant to remind the people of the need to keep clean environment, in line with the theme, as Nigeria is ranked second behind India in Open Defecation index.