The Federal Government has declared Ado and Ohimini local government areas of Benue State ‘Open Defecation Free’.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Terlumun Utsev, made the declaration on Tuesday in Otukpo.
Represented by the Director, Quality Control and Sanitation, Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, the minister said that about 48 million people in Nigeria are practising open defecation.
He expressed worry that Nigeria has the highest rate of open defecation 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.
“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.
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