OPEN DEFECATION: FG Takes Public Enlightenment To Educational Institutions
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Arc. Sonny Echono says the government has resolved to use the nation’s educational institutions to create awareness against the hazard of open defecation in the country.
Echono made this known in Abuja when he led a delegation of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, (NIA), to the Honourable Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu, on a working visit.
According to a statement made available to newsmen by the Director, Press and Public Relations Federal Ministry of Education Ben Bem Goong “He said the resolve is in pursuant of the attainment of the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Declaration that calls for access to clean water and sanitation by the year 2030.”
Minister of Water Resources Engr. Suleiman Adamu And Arc. Sonny Echono, Perm Sec. FME
The Permanent Secretary, who is also the President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, said that the Education Ministry is willing to partner with public and private institutions, including the NIA in sensitizing Nigerians on the effects of poor hygiene and sanitation on public health.
He subsequently declared the willingness of the Nigerian Institute of Architects to partner with government and other stakeholders in attaining the goals of the Agenda 2030 sustainable Development Declaration to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Echono pledged that the Institute will come up with functional and durable solutions to sanitation-related issues, especially that of open defecation.
On his part, Hon, Minister of Water Resources Engr. Suleiman Adamu, commended the Nigerian Institute of Architect for supporting the campaign against open defecation.
Adamu who revealed plans to provide sanitation facilities in the nations public schools, tasked the architects on designing prototypes of functional and durable toilets that will help curb the menace of public defecation and other sanitation issues.
He said that these toilets will not only serve public schools but other public institutions and recreational centres.
The Minister added that these toilets will serve as revenue generators for government thereby ensuring its sustainability.
According to statistics, Nigeria ranks first in open defecation in the world.
(My Prompt TV)
