In a bid to curb open defecation, Nnewi born Akabogu Nchedo Dorathy, a serving member of the 2019/2020 National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) has built an ultra-modern toilet facility for Yar’labe village in Wamakko Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
Akabogu Nchedo who is a graduate of Marketing from the University of Benin and also currently a serving NYSC member in Sokoto State said that the (four) 4-unit toilet facility was to curb open defecation which was rampant in the village.
Speaking during the brief hand-over ceremony, the elated Nchedo said that the project was initiated because he truly believes that adequate sanitation is a basic service and a human right.
According to her, poor toilet facilities and inadequate sanitation lead to exposure to human waste, which causes illnesses, noting that research has shown that inadequate sanitation, as well as hygiene-related issues, is a leading cause of diseases and death in developing countries.
“My first intended project for this village was to drill a motorized borehole due to lack of safe, clean drinking water but it failed due to insufficient fund. I was still determined not to leave them just like that. I came back to them, apologized for failing to fulfil my promise and along the line, I discovered another of their need which is a toilet facility to curb open defecation. With God’s help and people’s contributions, I worked harder and completed the toilet facility successfully”
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“This project was also borne for the pursuit of the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of United Nations which open defecation is GOAL 6.2 to be achieved before 2030 and also the Presidency vision which is to have Open defecation-free Nigeria by 2025, which was signed by our president, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari on November 2019 in Executive Order 009 captioned “The Open Defecation-Free Nigeria by 2025 and Other Related Matters Order.
While emphasising on the need to keep the facility clean, Nchedo Akabogu advised the members of the community to ensure that they wash their hands before leaving the facility as a way to protect their personal health and that of people living around you, she said that hand washing has been proven to be a simple and highly effective way for preventing the spread of disease-causing germs.
She, however, expressed gratitude to the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, His Excellency, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan‘Iya, (Sardaunan Kware) for motivating and supporting her to execute the project.
The corp member also thanked the entire staff of Sokoto Deputy Governor’s office, with special reference to Sadiq M, Bawa, Principal Secretary to the Deputy Governor; Hamzat Isa Tela to the Deputy Governor, Personal Assistant; Ubale Garba to the Deputy Governor, Director of Finance, Ibrahim Aliyu Personal Assistant to PS; for extending their valuable step by step guidance and motivation throughout her project.
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The young Nchedo also expressed her heartfelt appreciation to NYSC Sokoto State Coordinator. Mr Philip Enaberue, the entire NYSC management, Assistant Director, CDS, Mr Mutuah Joshua, Engr. Arzika Bello, Bello. I. Arzika, Head, PRU, Mallam Sani Idris; Musbahu Aliyu, Wamakko LGI, Kabiru Yusuf, Wamakko ZI, Kelvin Anyaebunam, the Chairman Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alh. Murkhtar Bello Maigona, Commissioner Ministry for Water Resources; Dr Umar Bature, Commissioner for Ministry for Religious Affairs; Alh. Abdullahi Maigwandu, Special Adviser, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RUWASSA), Engr. Sani Naguru and her Mother, Mrs. Veronica Akabogu for their different contributions and roles towards the building of the project.
See photos below;