From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
In a bid to combat the rampant issue of open defecation, the Oyo State government has announced that individuals, who engage in the unhygienic practice will face severe penalties.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation in the state, Prince Dotun Oyelade, gave the hint in his remarks at the opening of a two-day media dialogue on open defecation free (ODF) in the South-West states, which is facilitated by the United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF), held at Kakanfo Inn, Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday.
Oyelade, who emphasised the urgency of addressing the issue, revealed that Governor Seyi Makinde has instructed the Ministry of Justice to ensure the prosecution of anyone caught dumping refuse or defecating in public areas.
He explained that the imposition of penalties for open defecation and indiscriminate refuse dumping is intended to promote behavioural change and hygiene among citizens, adding that by enforcing consequences, the Oyo State 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 the government and UNICEF’s WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) action plan. He added that the government is open to enacting legislation to support the effort if necessary.
Highlighting the gravity of the open defecation crisis, he assured residents that the 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 to ensure 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.