…Partners media to end practice

….Says Ogun has 43.3% out-of-school children

By Rotimi Ojomoyela & James Ogunnaike

THE United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, yesterday, said it has entered into a partnership with journalists, government officials and other relevant stakeholders to end open defecation and eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases, NTDs, in Nigeria.

Speaking at a two-day Media Dialogue on Ending Open Defecation in Nigeria and Eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases, NTDs, held in Lagos State, UNICEF’s Chief of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH, Jane Bevan, emphasized that the partnership is essential to bring the campaign to every corner of the country.

While highlighting the dangers associated with open defecation, Bevan noted that NTDs, which are caused by bacterial infections, should not be overlooked, stressing that proper defecation practices could help prevent such diseases.

She said: “We can’t do this alone; we want Nigeria to be open defecation-free. We need everyone on board the government, private sector, banks, and people from all walks of life.

“The media plays a huge role in publicizing this accurately. It was mentioned yesterday that the campaign in India was successful because people heard about open defecation everywhere in the media, schools and hospitals.

“To achieve the same impact in Nigeria, we need to put it in people’s minds that defecation should only occur in toilets.”

Also speaking, the Coordinator of Clean Nigeria, Chizome Opara, lamented that 48 million Nigerians still practice open defecation, saying immediate action is needed from all stakeholders to arrest the ugly trend,

According to her, this action, if effectively managed could reduce the transmission of NTDs and engender improved sanitation and hygiene practices.

“As we explore strategies for collaboration, share success stories, and discuss challenges in achieving an open defecation-free Nigeria, let’s work together to create a more secure environment for Nigerians,” she said.

Ogun has 43.3% out-of-school children

Meanwhile, the UN body, yesterday, disclosed that 43.3 per cent of Ogun State children are currently out of school.

The UNICEF Chief Field Office for South West Nigeria, Celine Lafoucriere, who disclosed this during an advocacy visit to members of the Ogun State House of Assembly, expressed worry over the rising number of out-of-school children in the state.

The visit, which was facilitated by the House Committee on Education, Science and Technology, led by Mr Yusuf Amosun, who represents Ewekoro State Constituency, the UNICEF team and all members of the State House of Assembly signed a Certificate of commitment to reduce out-of-school children in Ogun State.

Lafoucriere said: “Ogun is doing fairly well when we look at national numbers but for Southwest numbers, there’s still a lot of out-of-school children. So what we intend to do is strengthen this beautiful collaboration we have with the state government and reiterate our commitment to support the state.”