FG declares 2 Benue LGAs open defecation free

The Federal Government has declared Ado and Ohimini Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue Open Defecation Free (ODF).

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Terlumun Utsev, made the declaration on Tuesday in Otukpo.

Utsev, who was represented by the Director, Quality Control and Sanitation, Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, stated that about 48 million people in Nigeria were practising open defecation.

The minister expressed concern that it made Nigeria the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“We understand that we need to do much more if we are to eliminate open defecation and achieve 100 per cent access to sanitation and hygiene in the country.

“Open defecation has long been a challenge in many parts of the world, with far-reaching consequences.

“It compromises health, undermines education, especially for young girls, and even affects the local economy,” Utsev said.

“By eliminating open defecation, we are taking a crucial step toward achieving better sanitation, which translates to fewer diseases, higher productivity, and greater dignity for our people,” Utsev said.

Meanwhile, the Chief WASH, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)-Nigeria, Dr Jane Bevan, stated that so far 11 of the 23 LGAs have attained the status.