We will Partner UNICEF To Make Oyo Open Defecation Free – Makinde

Oyo State Government has expressed readiness to collaborate with UNICEF Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) to put an end to open defecations across the state.

Speaking while hosting the Chief Water Sanitation and Hygiene to Nigeria, Dr. Jane Bevan who paid a courtesy call to the Governor’s Office on Wednesday, the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal who received her on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde said the collaboration came at appropriate time as a result of the challenges confronting the country.

He said the one of the duties of UNICEF globally is to reduce poverty by providing enabling, clean and healthy environment. He reiterated the readiness of the state government to partner with UNICEF on ways to put an end to open defecation adding that the state has already paid the sum of N20 million counterpart funding to promote hygienic sanitation in the state.

Earlier in her remarks, Chief Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Dr. Jane Bevan said UNICEF is ready to support the efforts of the state government by making Oyo become open defecation free. She noted that statistics shows about 54% of Oyo population still practice open defecation which has led to the pollution of water ways.

The event had in attendance Oyo RUWASSA Chairman.