By Muyideen Aliyu, llorin

Kwara State Government has set up Local Government Sanitation Task Group to coordinate sanitation at the grassroots with a view to promoting healthier living environment across the 16 Local Government Areas in the state.

This was made known by the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon Yinusa Lade, during the inauguration of the Group by the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), applauded the Agency for its setting up the Local Government Task Group on Sanitation (LGTS).

Lade,represented by the Chief Administrative Officer of the Ministry, Mr Olu Oyakanye, said the roles and importance of the Task Group, emphasized that the Groups’s presence in both Ilorin West and Ilorin South Local Government Areas would go a long way to make a lasting impact on the residents.

He explained that the Local Government Task Group was introduced as part of Government’s efforts at improving environmental sanitation and promote a healthier living environment across the state.

Lade noted that the urgency of effective sanitation governance and stressed the importance of community hygiene enforcement and behavioural change, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, where the challenges are more pronounced.

He added that; “Sanitation is not just about keeping our surroundings clean, but serves as a fundamental pillar of public health and human dignity. Without proper sanitation, communities remain exposed to preventable diseases such as cholera dysentery, typhoid and even malaria.

“While government efforts are crucial, long-lasting change must be driven at the grassroots, consequent upon which the task group was established, with the aim of achieving sustainable sanitation goals.”

Citing National data, he noted that poor sanitation remains a significant contributor to infant mortality and imposes a severe economic burden on both families and the healthcare system at large.

Earlier, the Chairman, Ilorin South Local Government, Hon. Nuhu Majeed Podo represented by his Chief of Staff, Comrade Ayobamire Samson, urged the Local Government Task Group on Sanitation (LTGS) to carry out their duties with sincerity and dedication, as sanitation is a shared responsibility between local residents and the government.

The General Manager RUWASSA, Mr Olorunfemi Oladipo said the Task Force goes beyond Kwara State as it holds National relevance, for Nigeria’s sanitation journey.

He noted that the i Local Government Task Group on Sanitation (LTGS) marks the foundation upon which Kwara would build towards achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF)

He stressed that Ilorin South and Ilorin West now being focused, are expected to attain Open Defacation Free (ODF) status within short period pointing out that Oke Ero Local Government is awaiting final validation from Abuja, having completed all requirements at the state level.

Oladipo assured that RUWASSA is committed to waging a strong war against open defecation, as this is not only a national target but a global mandate, that State must meet, in order to improve its status within Nigeria.

He tasked the Local Task Group on Sanitation (LTGS), to rise up for the challenges ahead, affirmed that the success of the group now lies in the hands of the agency, the Local Governments and collective will of the people of the State, expressing confidence that the objectives is well within reach.