By Muyideen Aliyu
The Kwara State Government has raised concerns over the health and environmental dangers of open defecation, urging residents to adopt proper sanitation practices to safeguard public health.
The State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Usman Yunusa Lade, made this known during a sensitization program held in Ilorin.
The event was organized by the Kwara for Kwarans Initiative in collaboration with the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).
Speaking, Lade explained that open defecation contributes significantly to the spread of diseases and plays a role in worsening climate change.
The Commissioner commended the Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for constructing public toilets across the state, noting that such interventions are critical to promoting safe sanitation.
He called on non-governmental organizations to complement the state government’s efforts to eradicate poor sanitation, appealing to individuals to take responsibility for maintaining clean surroundings to sustain public health gains.
Earlier, the Convener of the Initiative, Anjorin Babatunde, stated that the program was designed to sensitize market men, women, and shop owners to the dangers of open defecation.
He expressed appreciation for the support of government representatives and key stakeholders, particularly the Ministry of Water Resources.
The General Manager of RUWASSA, Mr. Olorunfemi Oladipo, encouraged traders to desist from open defecation both at the market and at home, stressing the importance of hygienic practices.
Additionally, the Chairman of the Oja-Tuntun market, Mr. Moshood Funsho, lauded the Commissioner’s visit and appealed for an improved water supply system within the market.
He also requested additional public toilets and trash bins to ensure proper waste disposal.
A representative of the Kwara State Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mr. Damilola Adebayo, urged the market community to prioritize hygiene and mobilize others toward achieving safe sanitation for all.