The exercise underscores the Cross River State Government’s commitment to the Federal Government’s roadmap to eliminate open defecation by 2030.
By Nakanda Iyadim
Following the implementation of the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) Programme, under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD)/Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiative, supported by UNICEF in Ogoja local government area of Cross River State, a former open defecation (OD) site along Mbube road that was once an eyesore has been transformed into a vibrant location for selling palm wine.
Mr Philip Igiri, a member of the Cross River State Task Group on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (STG-WASH), shared this development during a debriefing session following a 7-day certification exercise carried out by the 20-man team across 207 communities, aimed at declaring Ogoja Open Defecation Free (ODF).
Mr Igiri, who led the team for Ogoja Urban 2 ward, noted that the results were remarkable; virtually every household was found to have functional toilet facilities, although a few lacked handwashing facilities. Suggestions were made, and some households quickly implemented handwashing solutions, motivated by community awareness and the desire to comply.
“What’s truly astounding is that an OD site as of last year is now a popular palm wine joint. When my WASHCOM team member informed me, I was initially sceptical, but confirmation from the commercial motorcyclists (Okada) validated the change. We must celebrate Ogoja for this significant achievement,” stated Mr Igri.
During her overview of the exercise, UNICEF WASH State Facilitator Mrs Joy James Nwonu assured the State team that all concerns raised during the fieldwork would be addressed promptly. She expressed optimism that, with continued support and commitment from local WASH committees and the local government authority, Ogoja would achieve ODF status.
Reacting to concerns raised about sustainability through adequate enforcement, the WASH Specialist asserted, “Sustainability will not be an issue, as the State Chief Judge chairs the State’s Steering Committee. ODF enforcement will proceed smoothly, and penalties will be imposed on those who do not comply,” Mrs Nwonu remarked.
Engr Enyi Kanu, the STG-WASH certification team lead, expressed gratitude to UNICEF and other key actors for their dedication to improving the living conditions of residents in Cross River.
He acknowledged the challenges faced in promoting behavioural change but noted that significant improvements were observed, especially in rural areas.
Responding on behalf of the Head of Administration in Ogoja, Mr Jeremiah Adie, extended the appreciation of the Council to the State Task Group for “their thorough efforts in the certification exercise” and pledged the Council’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the initiative which he noted will help improve the living conditions of ordinary residents in the area.
The exercise underscores the Cross River State Government’s commitment to the Federal Government’s roadmap to eliminate open defecation by 2030. Out of the 207 communities evaluated 189 were certified ODF and recommended for validation by the National Task Group on Sanitation as Open Defecation Free, 16 were not certified, and 2 others were inaccessible due to flooding, marking a significant milestone in the fight against poor sanitation and neglected tropical diseases in Ogoja.