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Cross River: NEWSAN and Self Help Africa Inaugurate Task Force to Combat Open Defecation in Yala LGA

The event, held at the council headquarters in Okpoma, brought together stakeholders to address the persistent challenge of open defecation in the region.

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Cross River: NEWSAN and Self Help Africa Inaugurate Task Force to Combat Open Defecation in Yala LGA

 

In a determined effort to restore the open defecation-free (ODF) status of Yala Local Government Area (LGA) in Cross River State, the Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN) and Self Help Africa (SHA) have inaugurated a Local Task Group on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (LTG-WASH).

 

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The event, held at the council headquarters in Okpoma, brought together stakeholders to address the persistent challenge of open defecation in the region.

 

Dr. Fred Okem, Chairman of Yala Local Government Council, highlighted the dire consequences of open defecation on public health. In his keynote address, he described the practice as a critical issue, citing the lack of water supply as a major contributing factor.

 

“We all know our problem in Yala: we don’t have water. We go to the bush to defecate. It is not a good practice, and we must avoid it,” Dr. Okem stated. He urged the newly inaugurated task force to take their role seriously, calling them “foot soldiers” and educators in the fight for better sanitation.

 

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The inauguration was led by Mr. Okon Ita, Chairman of the State Task Group on WASH (STG-WASH) and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources. Represented by Engr. Elemi Nkanu, a director in the ministry, Mr. Ita emphasized the importance of the LTG-WASH in coordinating water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives across the LGA.

 

“The task group will be responsible for harmonizing all WASH initiatives in Yala. Reviving this sector is critical,” he stated, urging community members to support the initiative and work collectively towards regaining the area’s ODF status.

 

National Coordinator of NEWSAN, Mr. Attah Benson, underscored the significance of maintaining clean environments and proper sanitation facilities.

 

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“If you eat, you must defecate; therefore, we need to keep our toilets and environment clean,” Benson said. He called on the local government to ensure the functionality and sustainability of the LTG-WASH system.

 

Dr. Augustina Okem, newly inaugurated as Chairman of Yala LTG-WASH, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the initiative. She pledged her commitment to the group’s objectives, promising to work diligently to achieve the set goals.

 

“We will dutifully carry out our responsibilities and ensure the success of this program,” she affirmed.

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