UNICEF is among the most recognised social welfare organizations in the world.
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
United Nation Education Fund ,UNICEF has reaffirmed its commitment to end open defecation in Nigeria in 2025 in collaboration with public and private organisations, government and Non Governmental Organizations, media, and other stakeholders.
The UNICEF Chief of Field Office, North-East Nigeria , Phuong T. Nguyen, stated this on Thursday during a two-day media dialogue on Open Defecation in Biu LGA of Borno State.
Ms. Nguyen noted that one of purposes of the training workshop and field mission was aimed at highlighting the recent declaration of Biu and Shani as Open Defecation-Free (ODF) LGAs.
She also commended all stakeholders for their support for children affected by conflict .
“For the journalism professionals, you have all converged in Biu to give children a voice. It is to your credit that issues of displacement, malnutrition, zero-dose children, out-of-school children and other child protection concerns continue to be in the news and attract the attention they need.”
“Open defecation is a threat to child survival, particularly those who live in communities affected by conflict. The designation of Biu and Shani as open defecation free is a gift to vulnerable children and families. We cannot withdraw this gift.
“Rather, we must improve on the status quo and extend what has worked here to other communities in Borno State. Indeed, if it is possible in Biu and Shani, it is possible for other communities too.
“As this field visit continues, it is important to bear in mind that becoming open defecation-free is a journey, and not a destination. There are key elements of this journey that we must maintain.
“These include a sustained access to safely managed water and improved toilets both at the household and institutional levels. In Biu, Shani and elsewhere in Borno State, Government must lead and invest more in water, sanitation and hygiene facilities.
“A child who has access to improved toilet services at school is at risk when she or he visits their parents at a market without an improved toilet and access to water. A mother who gives birth in a healthcare facility without a water facility is, along with her newborn, at risk of infection and even death,,” Nguyen said.
“For Biu and Shani to maintain their ODF status, key elements of the construction of toilets in institutions such as schools, health centres and markets must be sustained. Households must be supported to maintain their improved toilets just as access to safe water for households and public institutions must be sustained.
“We must invest more to strengthen sustainability efforts, including sensitization on hygiene services. Communities must be accountable in the protection and maintenance of WASH facilities.
“We must also take solid steps to support more communities in Borno State to become open defecation-free. Only 14 per cent of schools, 12 per cent of health care facilities and 0.4 per cent of public places in Borno State have access to basic WASH services (2021 WASHNORM Report). Government and stakeholders must collaborate to improve on this.
“Through the Borno State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) and UNICEF have been working with Government to improve children’s chances of survival.
“We will continue to strengthen this partnership and deliver for more children and communities
“And to you gentlemen of the press, you have been a pillar of support for children. We will continue to count on you as you raise the bar in child health reporting,’ Phuong said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Transition Committee Chairman in Biu LGC, Alhaji Sule Ali Abubakar thanked UNICEF, Netherlands Government, Bank of Germany and the British Government, for putting smiles on the face of the entire people of Biu Local Government through support for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) activities.
He said,’ We cannot overemphasise the impact of efficient and constant WASH services in facilitating a clean environment and ensuring that children and families live healthy and disease-free environment. Biu LG remains appreciative to our partners who have supported our WASH activities for years.”
The Acting General Manager, RUWASSA, Borno State, Engineer Babagana Sa’ad, said Borno State Government has drilled over 300 boreholes in over 4000 communities in Biu LGC while boreholes were provided in Walama Ward Community in about 500 locations as part of the UNICEF, WASH collaboration DGIS and BMZ projects’ mandate and more boreholes and toilet facilities are going to be provided.
He added that government was working on modalities for Microfinance Banks to extend loan facilities to individuals to facilitate and speed up the provision and availability of toilet facilities in most schools and hospitals as well as within communities.
Engr. Sa’ad however appreciated the contributions and support of the Royal Father of Biu, UNICEF, Biu LGC, the Emir of Shani, HRH Mohammed Nasiru Shettima, Shani LGC and other stakeholders and partners for their contributions towards Open Defection Free projects in Borno.
