The Initiative for Education and Development (IDEE), Programme Manager, Mrs. Ajumbi Achegbulu has inaugurated eco toilets and boreholes to halt open defecation in Tudun Wada Community of Abuja. According to her, the completion of toilets and boreholes were supported by the Wisdom International School of Excellence (WISE) for education and development of communities.
While handing over the projects to National Task Group on Sanitation and the FTC Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWSA) at the weekend in Lugbe, she disclosed that; they are part of the school’s corporate social responsibilities (CSR). “This is a key component of achieving the goal of an open defecation free country,” she declared, stating that such projects are being replicated in Borno, Ogun and Yobe states. She further disclosed that the replication of eco-toilets and water supply projects could halt open defecation in the targeted states across the nation. According to her, Abuja supports communities to construct toilets, water boreholes, hand washing and plastic reuse. Besides, Achegbulu added that the project will also contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She noted that it will help the students learn about “strategic thinking, creativity and problem solving” at homes and schools. In her response, Head of the School, Mrs. Cariyat Olorunfemi applauded the efforts of the school by working with the community traditional council and a private firm; Fatoa & Associates Nigeria Ltd. “This will ensure that Tudun Wada is Open Defecation Free (ODF),” she said. She, therefore, encouraged parents and guardians to send their children and wards to WISE, as the school is 21st century compliant and prepares students to overcome the challenges of finance and digital literacy. According to her, other activities of school that benefit the community are rendered free of charges.
She said that the community eco-projects and other services, include free medical outreach, entrepreneurship development, technical vocational education training (TVET) and peace education. “Students are being trained in the 21st century employability skills and competencies in the job market,” she said. Suunen Atsuwe of the Business Development Manager of the Fatoa & Associates also encouraged other consulting firms to support communities to address the challenges of open defecation in Abuja and across the country.
