As part of the Federal Government’s ambitious goal to eliminate open defecation in Nigeria by 2025, a new campaign targeting school teachers, pupils, and local communities was launched in Kwara State. The campaign focuses on improving public health and promoting environmental sustainability through enhanced sanitation practices.

The initiative concluded with a three-day training program in Ilorin, led by the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA). During the closing ceremony, the Managing Director of LNRBDA, Dr. Adeniyi Aremu, explained that the campaign aims to empower key stakeholders with knowledge and skills in sanitation and hygiene. The training is expected to create community ambassadors who will further educate their neighborhoods, fostering a cleaner, greener environment.

Dr. Saheed Aremu underscored the importance of these trained ambassadors in spreading awareness. Other speakers urged participants to transfer the knowledge gained back to their communities, promoting cleaner practices statewide.

Community health expert Dr. Afusat Ameen, one of the program’s facilitators, highlighted the urgency of addressing sanitation gaps in Nigeria. She noted that approximately 120 million Nigerians lack basic sanitation facilities, with 25% of the population having limited access to clean water—a situation this campaign seeks to improve.

Participants expressed optimism that this timely training would make a significant impact on reducing open defecation in Kwara State, aligning with the national goal of a cleaner Nigeria.