FG Seeks Collaboration with Religious Leaders to End Open Defecation
By Abiodun Folarin
The Federal Government has solicited the support of religious leaders to end open defecation in Nigeria by 2030.
Professor Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, made the call on Tuesday when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Reverend Ignatius Kaigama.
The Minister, explained that although the campaign against open defecation in the country has recorded some success with 142 local governments achieving open defecation-free (ODF) status and more in the process of certification collective efforts must be intensified to ensure Nigeria meets its ODF target by 2030.
According to Professor Utsev, it was in this regard that his ministry took the advocacy to the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, which he identified as a critical stakeholder in scaling up the campaign to all parts of the country and educating people on the dangers of open defecation to human health.
Professor Utsev appealed to the Catholic Church to incorporate messages on ending open defecation in its sermons and public engagements with the faithful, as well as to ensure the provision of sanitation facilities within church premises at all times.
He also urged the Archbishop to encourage his parishioners to promote behavioral change within their families and communities, especially in rural areas, stressing that his ministry was ready to provide technical support to the church whenever needed.
While advocating for increased engagement with the Catholic community in Nigeria, the Minister expressed his ministry’s desire to establish a platform where it could present its proposals to Catholic Bishops for possible adoption and replication nationwide.
He emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to clean water and adequate sanitation services.
In his response, the Archbishop of Abuja, Most Reverend Ignatius Kaigama, described Professor Utsev as the first serving Minister to visit his diocese with a significant message on promoting healthy living.
He thanked the Minister for recognizing the role of the Church and noted that the visit would go a long way in bridging the gap between the government and the people.
Archbishop Kaigama expressed appreciation for the Minister’s efforts in championing a campaign that saves lives and promotes personal hygiene among citizens. He assured him of the Church’s support in the fight against open defecation.
He stressed the need for greater collaboration between the government and faith-based organizations, emphasizing that the government alone cannot tackle the problem.
The Archbishop also pledged to encourage his fellow priests to champion the campaign in their parishes to achieve a cleaner and healthier Nigeria that every citizen can be proud of.
