IBADAN/Nigeria: The Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) on Monday donated motorcycles, Ahuja speakers, and sanitary items to ten local government areas as part of efforts to eradicate open defecation across the state.
The donation was made in celebration of the first 100 days in office of the RUWASSA Chairman, Alhaji Babalola Afobaje. The items included 100 Ahuja speakers, six motorcycles—allocated two each to Egbeda, Ona-Ara, and Ibarapa-East local government areas—and various sanitary supplies, to be distributed based on selection criteria.
During the presentation, Afobaje highlighted that the agency’s goal is to support local government efforts in ensuring a complete end to open defecation in both rural and urban communities. He also mentioned that RUWASSA, under his leadership, has received significant backing from UNICEF, particularly in their ongoing efforts to eliminate open defecation in Egbeda, Ona-Ara, and Ibarapa-East.
He further disclosed that the agency has successfully drilled solar-powered boreholes in several local governments, enhancing access to clean water and improving sanitation in those areas.
Afobaje emphasized the importance of proper distribution of the donated items to ensure they are used effectively, urging local authorities to promptly distribute the materials to beneficiaries. He also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering support for RUWASSA, which has attracted international partnerships, including collaborations with UNICEF.
Hon. Sikiru Sanda, Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, praising RUWASSA for its commitment to improving sanitation and providing essential resources. He called on other international partners, NGOs, and private individuals to follow RUWASSA’s lead in addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.
The local governments benefiting from the donation include Egbeda, Ibarapa-East, Ogo-Oluwa, Iseyin, Oluyole, Ibadan South-East, and Ona-Ara, among others.
