Yala Local Government Inaugurates Taskforce to Restore Open Defecation-Free Status

In a bid to combat the adverse effects of open defecation and restore Yala Local Government Area’s Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status, the Local Taskforce on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (LTG-WASH) has been inaugurated.

The event, which took place at the Council headquarters in Okpoma, was organized by the Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN) with support from Self Help Africa (SHA).

Delivering the keynote address, the Chairman of Yala Local Government Council, Dr. Fred Okem, underscored the urgent need to tackle the public health risks posed by open defecation.

“This is a welcomed opportunity for us to address a pressing challenge in Yala,” he stated. “We all know our water scarcity problem. As a result, many people resort to defecating in the bush, which is an unhealthy practice. We must put an end to this.”

Dr. Okem emphasized the critical role of the LTG-WASH in leading the charge for behavioral change and community education. “The task force represents the foot soldiers of this campaign. We are the educators, and together, we must ensure the success of this program,” he charged the group.

Also speaking Mr. Okon Ita, the Chairman of the State Task Group on WASH and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Resources, urged the members to approach their responsibilities with diligence and commitment.

Represented by Engr. Elemi Nkanu, a Director in the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr. Ita highlighted the importance of harmonizing all WASH-related initiatives within the local government area.

“The task group will serve as the coordinating body for all WASH activities in Yala. It is imperative that every stakeholder supports this initiative to reclaim Yala’s ODF status,” he remarked.

The National Coordinator of NEWSAN, Mr. Attah Benson, stressed the importance of maintaining hygienic practices and clean environments.

“If you eat, you must defecate. However, it is our responsibility to ensure that toilets and surroundings are kept clean,” he said. “This meeting aims to reorient our approach and strengthen our resolve to achieve lasting change.”

The launch of the LTG-WASH signifies a renewed effort to address water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges in Yala Local Government Area.

With the backing of NEWSAN, SHA, and the state government, the task group aims to drive sustainable change, restore the area’s ODF status, and improve public health outcomes for the community.

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