Oyo Launches Sanitation Task Force: Tackling Open Defecation Head-On

The Oyo State Government has launched a 20 - member State Task Group on Sanitation (STGS), aiming to put an end to open defecation and ensure fair access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services by 2028.
Led by Olanike Adeyemo, the Secretary to the State Government, the task group will implement the National Open Defecation Free (ODF) Certification Protocol. Its responsibilities include raising community awareness and promoting hygiene practices in schools, markets, healthcare facilities, and households.

Bayo Lawal, the Deputy Governor, emphasized at the inauguration ceremony that the task group must enhance public awareness of the necessity of basic sanitation facilities. He pointed out that many institutions still lack these essential facilities and called for more effective awareness - raising efforts, supported by solid reasons to encourage their procurement.

Babalola Afobajw, Chairman of Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (OYORUWASSA), highlighted that according to a 2021 survey by the Water Sanitation and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping (WASHNORM), Oyo State previously had a high prevalence of open defecation. He expressed confidence that the task group's establishment would improve sanitation and hygiene in Oyo State.

Olorunpoto Cephas, Chairman of the Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Ecology and Water Resources, reaffirmed the legislature's commitment to support the task group's mission through enabling legislation, effective oversight, and advocacy.

Monday Johnson, a UNICEF WASH Consultant, stated that the task group comprises government delegates responsible for conducting complementary, collaborative, and oversight duties related to the state's sanitation programs and projects.

Other task force members include Omoyele Omofoyewa, Olalekan Isaac, Oyedele Oladayo, Rafiu Baasit, Obatowon, Abayomi Yusuff, Aileru - Foster, Olamide Adeniji, Femi Amusan, Ramoni Afeez, Adedeji Sunday, Adewole Deola, Oloyede Abimbola, Mustapha Haulat, Oyewole Bukola, Marcus, Adio Olusegun, Aliu Jemilat, among others.