MAKING NIGERIA AN OPEN DEFECATION FREE NATION BY 2025, WITH EMPHASIS ON OYO STATE IS THE FOCUS OF TODAY’S VIEWPOINT. IT IS WRITTEN BY ADURA AKINLADE OF OUR PROGRAMMES DEPARTMENT
Open defecation is a critical public health and environmental issue that affects many developing countries, including Nigeria. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, as of 2021, Nigeria had the highest number of people practicing open defecation in sub-Saharan Africa.
Recognizing the urgency of addressing this problem, the Nigerian government set a goal to become open defecation-free by 2025. To achieve this ambitious target, Nigeria can draw valuable insights from the successful Indian model, where the government implemented the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign) to eliminate open defecation.
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, which was launched in India on October 2, 2014, was a remarkable initiative to make India open defecation-free by October 2, 2019, the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The program achieved significant success by constructing millions of household and community toilets, raising public awareness, and implementing strict sanitation standards. Nigeria can look to this model for inspiration and adaptation.
A critical factor in the success of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was the unwavering political commitment of the Indian government.
Nigerian leaders must show similar determination in tackling open defecation. Oyo State, being the No. 1 state in the Southwest with the highest prevalence of open defecation, should take a lead role in demonstrating this commitment.
It is also important to take note of Oyo State’s Unique Challenges which includes Understanding the Local Context.
Factors contributing to open defecation practices in Oyo State, such as lack of access to toilets, cultural beliefs, and socioeconomic conditions, should be thoroughly researched and factored into the action plan.
Another critical step is investing in the construction of household and community toilets in Oyo State. The success of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan can be attributed to its significant investments in toilet construction. These facilities need to be designed, built, and maintained to meet sanitation standards.
Oyo State can also learn from India’s use of extensive public awareness campaigns, involving celebrities and community leaders, to change societal attitudes and promote good sanitation practices.
It is worthy to note that the Baale of Jago Community in Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo state, Chief Olusegun Oparinde, has taken that bold step in leading an Open Defecation Free , ODF, enlightenment efforts in his community.
Baale Oparinde has been at the forefront of a series of educational and enlightenment efforts to sensitize his subjects about the health and environmental implications of Open Defecation.
At present,Baale Oparinde has ensured that almost all the households in Jago now have toilet facilities, in partnership with United Nations Children Endowment Fund,UNICEF and some critical stakeholders in Water Sanitatio and Hygiene,WASH campaign.
Other communities in Oyo State should borrow a leave from the Jago Community initiative to attain an open defecation free state.
Also effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms should be established to track progress in Oyo State.
Lessons from India show that real-time data collection and analysis can help identify problem areas and facilitate course correction.
Furthermore, Oyo State can establish partnerships with local leaders and organizations to create a sense of ownership and ensure the sustainability of sanitation initiatives.
The journey to making Nigeria open defecation-free by 2025 is a challenging one, especially in Oyo state, which is facing an higher prevalence rate.
However, the Indian model, as seen in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, provides valuable insights and lessons that can be adapted to the Nigerian context. It is essential for Oyo State to prioritize the eradication of open defecation and act as a model for the rest of the country.
By addressing the unique challenges faced in Oyo State, investing in infrastructure, promoting behavioral change, and engaging local communities, Nigeria can make significant strides toward achieving the 2025 target and improving public health and sanitation for its citizens.
All these efforts must be sustained through consistent political will and international support to ensure its success.
