Eradicating Open Defecation: Water Ministry And NYSC CDS Launch Nationwide Campaign

Eradicating Open Defecation: Water Ministry And NYSC CDS Launch Nationwide Campaign

In a renewed drive to achieve an Open Defecation Free (ODF) Nigeria by 2030, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has partnered with Self Help Africa, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and other development…Eradicating Open Defecation: Water Ministry And NYSC CDS Launch Nationwide Campaign

organizations to accelerate progress.

This initiative was emphasized during a two-day intensive training workshop for NYSC Community Development Service (CDS) Officers on the Clean Nigeria Campaign, held on January 16–17, 2025, in Nasarawa State.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, represented by Mr. Moses Jo-Madugu, Director of Reforms Coordination, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a cleaner, healthier, and sustainable Nigeria. He emphasized the urgent need to combat open defecation, citing progress such as the declaration of 136 Local Government Areas and Jigawa State as ODF.

Highlighting key initiatives, Mr. Pheelangwah mentioned programs such as the Partnership for Expanded Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (PEWASH), the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) program, and a recent Memorandum of Understanding with YouthWASH. He described the participation of NYSC CDS Officers as a “clarion call to action,” urging Corps members nationwide to champion the sanitation revolution.

NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, represented by Mrs. Funmilayo Ajayi, Deputy Director of Education, applauded the collaboration. He emphasized the importance of equipping Corps members with the tools to drive impactful grassroots initiatives and urged them to work closely with communities to eliminate open defecation.

Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation at the Ministry, reiterated that the workshop aimed to provide practical skills and strategies to sustain the campaign’s momentum. She stressed the value of grassroots engagement and collaboration in fostering long-term results.

Mrs. Chizoma Opara, National Coordinator of the Clean Nigeria Campaign, reviewed the campaign’s successes and challenges, calling for increased funding, advocacy, and political commitment. She urged state governors, private sector stakeholders, and development partners to enhance their support for the initiative.

In a goodwill message, Mr. Nature Uchenna Obiakor, National Coordinator of YouthWASH Africa, highlighted the National YouthWASH Strategic Framework launched in 2023. He praised Nigerian youths for their creativity and passion, calling for stronger partnerships to promote sustainable sanitation solutions.

The workshop brought together NYSC CDS Officers from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, along with stakeholders from the water and sanitation sector and development partners.

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