Borno Government Partners with UNICEF to Tackle Open Defecation State-wide
The Borno State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched a comprehensive roadmap aimed at eradicating open defecation across all 27 local government areas of the state.
The initiative was unveiled in Maiduguri, the state capital, with Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by his deputy Umar Kadafur, emphasizing the importance of the campaign.
He urged residents to embrace the movement and contribute to achieving an Open Defecation-Free (ODF) Borno as he highlighted that the initiative is part of his administration’s broader commitment to addressing key challenges in sectors such as education, transportation, infrastructure, and health over the past six years.
Governor Zulum further expressed his administration’s resolve to improve the living conditions of residents despite fiscal constraints, making sanitation a top priority. He called on individuals to take the message back to their communities, spreading awareness about the harmful effects of open defecation and the need for proper sanitation.
The governor also directed relevant government agencies and departments to align their programs with the ODF goal, positioning the initiative as a lasting legacy for future generations.
UNICEF’s Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Gerida Birukila, praised Borno’s proactive efforts in tackling open defecation, noting that the state is a leader in addressing this issue in Nigeria. She highlighted the success of two local government areas—Biu and Shani—which have already been certified as open defecation-free. However, she stressed the need for continued commitment from not just the government but also traditional institutions and the general public to drive the necessary behavioral changes. Birukila also underscored the severe impact of open defecation on children, contributing to malnutrition, stunted growth, and diseases such as diarrhea.
James Donoghue, the Education Adviser to the British High Commission, also praised UNICEF’s efforts in Borno, particularly in the field of education. He commended the success of the Teaching at the Right Level initiative, which is designed to improve children’s literacy and numeracy skills. During his visit to several schools in the state, Donoghue noted the significant progress being made in teaching basic arithmetic and literacy, alongside efforts to improve sanitation and provide access to learning materials. His comments highlighted the broad scope of UNICEF’s work in both education and public health in Borno.