• Oyo moves against open defecators with stiff penalties
From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
Oyo State Government has moved drastically against individuals engaging in the unhygienic rampant practice of open defecation. Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said severe penalties await such defecators.
He gave the hint at the opening of a two-day media dialogue on Open Defecation Free (ODF) in South West, facilitated by the United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF), at Kakanfo Inn, Ibadan. He disclosed that Governor Seyi Makinde “has instructed the Ministry of Justice to ensure the prosecution of anyone caught dumping refuse or defecating in public areas.
“The imposition of penalties for open defecation and indiscriminate refuse dumping is intended to promote behavioural change and hygiene among citizens. Government is aiming to eradicate open defecation before 2028, towards ensuring much improvement in the social menaces and all other diseases plaguing the state.”
Oyelade stressed the importance of collaboration between government and UNICEF’s WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) action plan: “Government is open to enacting legislation to support the effort if necessary.”
He assured residents that government is committed to tackling this issue and improving the well-being of the state.
Oyelade stated further that billboards would be placed at major junctions and entry points throughout the state, to raise awareness about the penalties and discourage environmental infractions.
His words: “Oyo State Government is willing to effect the necessary behavioural change in open defecation, working with UNICEF’s WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) action plan.
In Oyo State, we have adopted the WASH action plan, and if need be, we will back it up with legislation.
“And the Ministry of Justice has been mandated to penalise defecators and those dumping refuse in illegal sites. Also, law enforcement agencies will do their bit. It is sad that Nigeria has taken over from Egypt by recording the highest rate of open defecation.”
Oyelade appealed to residents to patronise government approved waste consultants and stop the unhygienic practice of open defecation, saying:
“To this end, billboards will be erected at major junctions and entry points of the State, to discourage anyone from practising any environmental infractions, and the penalties. The Oyo State government is bent on ensuring residents obey the law of social etiquette.”
Prince Oyelade pledged Oyo State Government’s continued partnership with UNICEF on ensuring Oyo State is open defecation-free.
Furthermore, UNICEF WASH Specialist, Mr. Monday Johnson, revealed that approximately 48 million Nigerians currently practice open defecation. He. However, commended Oyo State for taking proactive steps to combat the issue, despite having the highest rates of open defecation in the South-West of Nigeria.