In the bid to promote Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme on the World Water Day 2023, the Oyo State Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) in collaboration with Heineken African Foundation (HAF), Wateraid Nigeria (WANG) and Living World Mission (LIWOM) took campaign to Ikolaba High School, Ibadan, the Oyo State, Capital.
The one-day sensitization programme tagged “Accelerating Change To Solve And Sanitation Crises” was aimed at sensitizing secondary school students on how to be the agents of water sanitation in the society.
While addressing the students, a staff of the agency, Mrs Aminu Aisha said that the World Water Day 2023 is about sensitizing everyone on the need to be the change in fast-tracking the solution to water and sanitation problems.
She said: “It encourages us to take action in our individual live to change the way we use, consume and manage water as well as the way we manage our sanitation in order not to contaminate our water sources.
“We are being encouraged to secure progress on water and sanitation, a renewed call for commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: 6:1 universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water by 2030) and 6:2 – access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation paying special attention to the needs of women.”
She further highlighted how impacts of water and sanitation problems in Nigeria, inadequate water supply and poor sanitation issues have made many suffer water-borne diseases like dysentery, typhoid, and other deteriorating conditions.
She called for accelerating change sustainable water management practices among the students.
She said: “Accelerating change emphasizes the need to speed up efforts towards achieving sustainable water management practices and safely managed sanitation because rapid urbanization, climate change and unsustainable water management practices have all contributed to the global water and sanitation crisis.
“Therefore, Government, organizations and individuals must work together to promote sustainable water management practices. And also for you students, you must be the change you want to see in the world. Advocate for change – by supporting policies, programmes and also educate others, spread awareness about importance of safely managed water and sanitation/hygiene among family, friends and community.”
While speaking on behalf Heineken African Foundation (HAF), the Cooperate Affairs Advisor, Mr Babatunde Gbadebo said water is an important component of life and so everybody must ensure that it is sanitized so that we can ensure a safe environment and protect ourselves from diseases.
While appreciating the organizers of the programme and the Oyo State Government, the Principal of the school, Mrs Falodun emphasized on the need to be an agent of water sanitation especially among students.
She called for more collaboration so that they can foster the sanitation of water in the school environment.
Present at the event included, the Director Secondary School Education, Ministry Of Education, Mr Obatowon Babatunbosun, representatives from LIWOM and Wateraid
World Water Day is celebrated on 22 March every year since 1993.
