NAN
Kano: Twenty Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kano State have received certificates for attaining the ‘Open Defecation-Free (ODF)’ status, bringing the total number of certified LGAs in the state to 26.
Gov. Abba Yusuf, who was awarded the “Great Achiever Award” for his role in the ODF campaign, expressed optimism that the remaining LGAs would soon attain similar status through sustained efforts and advocacy.
Yusuf, represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Aminu Abdussalam, reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving sanitation in the state.
He said six additional LGAs were on track to achieve the ODF status.
“Kano State will soon be declared Open Defecation Free,” the Governor said.
He stated that the government had provided latrines and sanitary materials in a wide range of communities to eliminate open defecation and promote hygiene.
Earlier, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, described the _Clean Nigeria Campaign as a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, urged state governments to demonstrate strong political will and support in eliminating open defecation nationwide.
“The Clean Nigeria Campaign is not just a sanitation drive; it is a cornerstone of Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
According to him, ensuring access to clean water, decent toilets, and proper hygiene will significantly reduce disease outbreaks and achieve national development targets.
The minister called for stronger collaboration between the federal, state, and local governments and active participation by the private sector and development partners.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to delivering on the goals of the campaign and urged all Nigerians to take ownership of the initiative.
Also, the Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdussalam, said the Yusuf-led administration is recording steady progress in the campaign.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran, said the success of the ODF campaign had led to a significant reduction in waterborne diseases in the state.
The ODF campaign is a global initiative to ensure people use toilets instead of defecating in open spaces.
Achieving ODF status means over 95 per cent of the population in a given area no longer engages in open defecation.
The event’s highlights included the presentation of ODF certificates to the 20 LGAs and the award to Yusuf for his outstanding contributions to the campaign.