LAGOS/Nigeria: The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its dedication to achieving the eradication of open defecation by 2025. This commitment was made during the “Use the Toilet Campaign,” held at the Mainland Local Government Secretariat, where government officials emphasized the importance of raising awareness and educating communities about the health risks associated with open defecation.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Adekunle Adeshina, the state’s Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, Mr. Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, underscored the multifaceted challenges posed by open defecation, affecting not only sanitation but also the environment, health, education, economy, and the social fabric of society.
Mr. Tajudeen emphasized the dire consequences of open defecation, including the spread of waterborne diseases and contamination of water sources, with vulnerable populations, especially children, at higher risk due to their developing immune systems. He further pointed out that open defecation undermines the dignity of women and girls, who often bear the brunt of its negative effects.
“The eradication of open defecation is not an option but a necessity that matters to the environment,” stated Mr. Tajudeen, highlighting the urgent need for collective action.
He urged everyone to approach the issue with determination and unity, striving to make Lagos State a model of sanitation excellence, setting an example for others to follow. The vision is to create a Lagos where clean and accessible sanitation facilities are available to all, water bodies remain unpolluted, and the well-being of all residents is protected.
Mr. Tajudeen stressed the vital role of infrastructure in eradicating open defecation and called upon urban planners and engineers to collaborate with the government to design accessible and safe facilities for all residents, regardless of their background and socio-economic status.
The representative of the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Mainland Local Government, Hon. Emilagba Jubril, acknowledged the necessity of the “Use the Toilet Campaign” and highlighted the rural areas within the axis that require attention. He also announced the local government’s partnership with the private sector to build more toilets in rural communities and sustain the campaign against open defecation.
The Lagos State Government is taking decisive steps to eliminate open defecation by 2025, with a strong focus on awareness, education, and infrastructure development. The commitment of government officials and their call for collective action signal a resolute effort to create a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous Lagos for future generations.
