Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state has kicked off campaign against
“open defecation” across the 17 Local Government Areas.
According to him, open defecation, is a challenge to be overcome; in
addressing outbreaks of diseases in communities that claimed many
lives.
While flagging off campaign Wednesday at Emir’s palace, Potiskum; Buni
disclosed that Nigeria is second after India in global rating of open
defecation.
Buni, who was represented by his Deputy, Idi Barde Gubana; said: “The
campaign was to end open defecation for a clean environment and
protect people’s lives from air and water borne diseases.
“This sensitization comes on heels of reports; indicting Nigeria is
second worse country in the world after India; that still practice
open defecation.”
He said the danger posed by open defecation, informed Buni to launch
the sensitization campaigns against it across the state, including
Damaturu, the state capital.
While lamenting on open defecation, he said that the practice poses a
great challenge to human health leading to diseases like cholera and
typhoid fever”.
He described issues of sanitation and open defecation; as a civil
responsibility of all in society.
He said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent launch of the
National Action Plan was a new beginning for the country to achieving
an open defecation-free nation.
He noted that the launch would bring about purposeful collaboration in
all activities to achieving access to potable water, sanitation and
hygiene for all.
He said to achieve this; there should be renewed commitments towards
defecation free country.
Gubana therefore; urged the 17 councils to key into the project of
ensuring maximum sanitation through setting up an action plan against
open defecation.
He also warned against unnecessary felling of trees without replacing
them, as it fuels desert encroachment.
