The chairman, Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Engineer Najeem Omirinde has said that United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has chosen to support Oyo state among the states in South west for the eradication of Open defecation.
Omirinde said this on Thursday at the ongoing workshop on Review, Validation and Dissemination of Open Defecation Free Roadmap for Oyo state with technical support from UNICEF Nigeria in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
The workshop has relevant stakeholders including UNICEF consultants coming together to draft a roadmap for the state in finding an end to Open defecation.
He commended UNICEF Country Chief of WASH, Mrs Jane Bevan for her efforts. He also commended Mr Abioye Ogunjobi, UNICEF WASH specialist.
“In the light of this and on behalf of Eng Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor Oyo state, I wish to appreciate the UNICEF Country Chief of WASH (Mrs Jane Bevan) for their efforts in sponsoring this programme and making the state achieved the development of ODF training in the state.
“I cannot but appreciate my friend Mr. Bioye Ogunjobi (The Unicef WASH Specialist) for unique struggle to make today a reality.” he said.
Also speaking, UNICEF WASH Specialist, Mr Bioye Ogunjobi confirmed the return of UNICEF to Oyo state after seven years of absent.
Bioye commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his move towards the ending Open defecation through the construction of blocks of classroom with toilet and health centers across the state.
He urged the Governor to ensure that toilet and hand cleaning are constructed when renovating the building of old schools and health centers.
Present at the event were Mrs Aderonke Adedayo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Interventions; Mr Bioye Ogunjobi, UNICEF WASH Specialist; Mr Mumeen Adeduntan, Acting General Manager RUWASSA; Dr Olufemi Aluko, a consultant; Dr Alaba, a consultant; All 33 LG Directors of Sanitation, All WASH Steering Committee; Representatives of CAN & FOMOWA and others.
