Oyo state government through the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (OYRUWASSA) met traditional, religious leaders and other stakeholders to support open defecation free achievement in Ona Ara and Egbeda Local government areas.
The meeting which was held on Wednesday and Thursday in the two local government areas was supported by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
While speaking, the Chariman of OYRUWASSA, Engineer Najeem Omirinde said Governor Seyi Makinde has approved 40 million naira as counter part fund for sanitation revolving loan adding that UNICEF has contributed its are own 40 million for the two local government areas.
He said that the money will be put in Microfinance Bank where interested people can approach to get loan for TOILET construction without interest.
He said that “UNICEF is supporting Oyo state government for the rehabilitation of some selected boreholes. The rehabilitation has started and it will be completed within 4 weeks.”
He urged the traditional rulers and Baales to make proper use of the water facility because they are the owner.
Omirinde, a former member of the Oyo state House of Assembly commended the traditional rulers for the turn out adding that they have a key role to play in achieving Open Defecation free in the selected local government areas.
Also speaking, UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, Mr Monday Johnson described UNICEF as the mouthpiece of the people adding that the agency draws government attention to issues affecting people with data.
He said ending open defecation requires all hands to be on deck. He urged the traditional rulers and other stakeholders to join the fight to put and end to the act.
While responding on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Chariman of Ona Ara traditional council, Oba Kamorudeen Adebowale, Oni Laduntan of Laduntan commended and thanked the state government and UNICEF for the initiative and for choosing Ona Ara local government.
He pledged cooperation adding that they will deliver the task given to them for the benefit of the society.
Chairman of Ona Ara local government area, Hon Musbau Shaba welcomed traditional rulers, UNICEF and OYRUWASSA.
He thanked OYRUWASSA for picking Ona Ara and commended UNICEF for the support. He urged traditional rulers and religious leaders to support the program and make it a success.
