OYO GOVT REITERATES COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINING OPEN DEFECATION-FREE (ODF) STATUS

The Oyo State government has reaffirmed its dogged commitment to attaining the Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde made this statement today when the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS) monitoring team paid him a courtesy visit in Ibadan.

While receiving the team, Babatunde described the visit as not only important but timely, stressing that the achievement of ODF status is no small feat, and sustaining it will require even greater effort, resources, and innovation.

“After attaining the open defecation-free (ODF) status we will ensure this feat is sustained. I know attaining it is difficult, but sustaining it is even more challenging. I want to assure you that the Oyo State Government will put in place comprehensive strategies, backed by strong commitment and resources, to ensure the sustainability of our ODF status,” he said.

He revealed that the state will put in place every necessary measures to oversee and monitor the sanitation and hygiene programme which, he noted, underlines the state’s seriousness in maintaining cleanliness and public health standards.

He assured that Oyo State would remain a pace setter in sanitation, health, and environmental resilience, with other states drawing lessons from its approach.

Prof. Babatunde then expressed appreciation to the NTGS team for their diligence and commitment, urging them to continue engaging with local communities to deepen the impact of their interventions.

“Once again, thank you for visiting Oyo State. We appreciate your diligence not only did you visit, but you went around and engaged directly with the people. The feedback you gathered from beneficiaries is invaluable.”

Earlier in his remarks, the NTGS Team Leader, Bibian Ama urged the state to maintain the momentum in ensuring an ODF status through consistent policies, community involvement, and infrastructural investments.

She also praised the level of political will shown by the governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, saying that it has created an enabling environment for impactful WASH initiatives.

She pledged continued technical support from development partners to help Oyo attain and build upon its progress.

OYO NEWS