The United Nations on Friday applauded the Jigawa State Government for becoming the first state in Nigeria to achieve the open defecation-free status.
It then charged other state governments in Nigeria to emulate Jigawa by working hard to rid their domains of open defecation activities in order to halt diseases caused by poor sanitation.
The Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, gave the commendation and charge during her address at the ongoing World Toilet Summit 2022, organised by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in Abuja.
She said, “I want to congratulate the government and people of Jigawa State. It is clear that Jigawa is becoming model. In that state, six million people came together to end open defecation.
“This was through concerted efforts of all partners with the government. I would like to seize this opportunity to deliver to you the congratulations from the UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa.
“She is very excited about this great achievement and hopes that the Federal Government will continue making strong steps towards the remaining states to achieve a nationwide open defecation free status.”