Transforming sanitation in Nigeria's public spaces by Elvis Eromosele - ITREALMS

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I had the opportunity to visit a number of Nigerian cities in recent weeks, from Lagos to Bayelsa, through Benin, and Warri. Although these cities provided rich cultural experiences and stunning scenery, one prevalent problem that caught my attention was the condition of public sanitation, especially in motor parks and markets. The unpleasant stench, overflowing trash, and unhygienic conditions of many of these areas confirmed the urgent need for significant improvements in sanitation in Nigeria's public parks and markets. We'll discuss the roads another day.

In commemoration of World Toilet Day 2024, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about sanitation, it is time to reflect on the need for cleaner, healthier environments in our communities, especially in places where large numbers of people gather. World Toilet Day, commemorated annually on November 19, highlights the critical issue of global sanitation and aims to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to safe and clean toilets. This year’s theme, 'Toilets – A Place for Peace', underscored the connection between sanitation and the broader goal of peace and well-being.

Empower Local Governments, improve access to clean water, sanitation, hygiene - ITREALMS

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Access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene is essential for human health and well-being. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 is about "clean water and sanitation for all". However, in many developing countries, these necessities remain out of reach for a significant portion of the population, particularly those living in suburban and rural areas. The popular thinking is that local governments can play a critical role in scaling up interventions to improve access to water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Take Nigeria. It is easily the most populous country in Africa with a rapidly growing population that is expected to reach 400 million by 2050. Despite its vast natural resources, including water, Nigeria faces significant challenges in providing access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), only 29 per cent of Nigerians have access to basic sanitation facilities, and only 63 per cent have access to basic water services.

Fayemi doles out N360m to 24 communities, boosts healthcare, water & sanitation - ITREALMS

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The Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi on Tuesday distributed cheques worth N360 million to 24 communities in the state as part of efforts to cushion the effect of Covid-19 pandemic on the poor and vulnerable as well as ensure reduction of poverty to the barest minimum in the state.

Dr. Fayemi, Who personally presented the cheques to representatives of the communities at the Oshuntokun Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, said the fund would focus on three specific result areas: education, healthcare services, water and sanitation.

Ikeja Rotary donates sanitation materials to community

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The Rotary Club of Ikeja has made a donation of sanitation materials to the Ipodo Community Market, reports ITRealms.

This community development gesture, according to the President Rotarian Adeniyi Adelaja is in further demonstration of the Club’s support for, and commitment to the current Clean Lagos initiative of the State government.

Presenting the materials which included large plastic waste bins, shovels, and brooms, a Past District Governor of Rotary International [District 9110], who is also a Past President of the Club, Prince Julius Adelusi Adeluyi expressed deep satisfaction that the Club had continued to sustain the tradition of promoting healthy environment. He commended the Club members, while also urging the beneficiaries to deploy the gifts to good use as intended by the Rotary Club.

Earlier, a Past President of the Club, Rotarian Tosin Kadiri had stated that Rotary was among so many other things concerned about the environment, and was always carrying out activities to ensure and promote clean environment in order to reduce the incidences of diseases that are consequences of unhealthy or badly kept environment.

Members of the Ipodo Community Market were on hand to receive the items, and they were full of praises for the Club’s continued support. The leader of the market, Alhaja Abiodun Bintu also expressed the community’s appreciation for the Club’s unwavering commitment and support to the community.

Mr Olasupo Sode represented the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment while Honourable Mayungbe represented the Chairman of Ikeja Local Government.       

Ayo Midele/GEE

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Pix: L-R: Mr Olasupo Sode who represented Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Mayungbe who also represented the Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Alhaja Abiodun Bintu, Leader of Ipodo market, Past District Governor of Rotary International [District 9110], and Past President of the club, Prince Julius Adelusi Adeluyi and Rotarian past President Oliver Johnson during the presentation of the sanitation materials.