By Muhammad Amaan
No fewer than 20 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.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was honoured with 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.
Governor Yusuf, represented by the Deputy Governor, Comrade 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 across a myriad of communities to eliminate the practice of 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 contribute significantly to reducing disease outbreaks and achieving national development targets.
The minister called for stronger collaboration between the federal, state, and local governments, as well as 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 speaking, 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 aimed at ensuring 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 engage in open defecation.
The highlights of the event included the presentation of ODF certificates to the 20 LGAs and the award to Yusuf for his outstanding contributions to the campaign.