Sola POPOOLA
“The state Governor, Seyi Makinde, has unequivocally mandated the Ministry of Justice to ensure the prosecution of anyone who dumps, refuses or defecates openly. The penalty, when fully in place, would promote behavioural change in the hygiene of citizens and curb open defecation.
“The government is willing to effect the necessary behavioural change in open defecation, working with UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene action plan. In this state, we have adopted the WASH action plan; if need be, we will back it up with legislation.
“And the Ministry of Justice has been mandated to penalise defecators and those dumping refuse in illegal sites. Also, law enforcement agencies will do their bit. It is sad that Nigeria has taken over from Egypt by recording the highest rate of open defecation. And the government will deal decisively with open defecators.” He insisted.
Oyelade, who said the government, before 2027, would ensure much improvement in the social menaces and all other diseases plaguing the state, however, appealed to the residents to patronise government-approved waste consultants and stop the unhygienic practice of open defecation.
“To this end, billboards will be erected at major junctions and entry points of the state, to discourage anyone from practising any environmental infractions, and the penalties. The government is bent on ensuring residents obey the law of social etiquette.”
In his presentation, UNICEF WASH specialist, Mr. Monday Johnson said recent report from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics revealed that about 48 million Nigerians still practice Open Defecation inspite of the rigorous campaign against it .