The United Nations Children Emergency Fund(UNICEF) has disclosed that Biu and Shani local government areas in Borno State have made the list of 130 local government areas in Nigeria declared open defecation free.
This came when the state authorities in collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners launched the Borno State Open Defecation Free Roadmap and flagged off campaign for Open Defecation Free in the state.
UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, who commended the Borno State Government for its collaboration in the campaign against open defecation, noted that Biu and Shani had already achieved ODF status last year.
She assured the government of UNICEF’s support in ensuring that Borno State becomes open defecation-free.
Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by his Deputy, emphasized the importance of sanitation in improving people’s well-being and called for collective efforts to change the WASH conditions of the people.
He urged relevant government agencies to focus on achieving safe water and sanitation options for all households, as well as the implementation of sustainable wash access in schools and public places.
Borno State Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr Tijjani Goni Alkali, stressed the importance of sanitation and clean water as fundamental human rights that should be guaranteed to all citizens.
He expressed optimism that by working together, housing defecation will become a thing of the past and individuals will be able to enjoy a dignified and healthy life.
The occasion, which was held at the Musa Usman Secretariat in Maiduguri, also featured the decoration of the wife of Borno state Governor, Dr. Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum as the WASH Ambassador and presentation of ODF certificates to Biu and Shani local government chairmen.
