The Oyo State Government in collaboration with the United Nations’ Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commissioned newly completed solar-powered boreholes and toilet facilities at Egbeda, Ona Ara, and Ibarapa East Local Government Areas of Oyo State to improve sanitation and hygiene.

While commissioning the projects, the Chairman, Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Alhaji Babalola Afobaje, emphasized the importance of the projects in advancing the health and socioeconomic well-being of rural dwellers.

He said his agency and UNICEF are committed to expanding access to clean water and improving sanitation infrastructure in rural and peri-urban communities.

Afobaje explained that the facilities were constructed under a joint initiative by the Oyo State Government and UNICEF, aimed at delivering sustainable and inclusive water and sanitation services.

Alhaji Afobaje reiterated that the commissioning is just one milestone in an ongoing effort to expand water and sanitation services across all 33 local government areas of the State.

He added that the solar-powered boreholes are designed to provide safe and clean drinking water to thousands of residents, while the gender-sensitive toilet facilities promote hygiene, dignity, and public health in the beneficiary communities.

The Chairman noted that access to clean water and adequate sanitation is not only a basic human right but also a cornerstone of sustainable development- particularly in underserved areas where such amenities are lacking.

He said, “This symbolic commissioning represents our Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every citizen of Oyo State, regardless of location, has access to basic services like clean water and proper sanitation. These solar-powered boreholes and toilets are sustainable, environmentally friendly, and community-focused. We are not only solving today’s problems but building a healthier future.”

In his remarks, the General Manager, Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Mr. Adeniyi Adeduntan, stated that the event marks a significant milestone in the collective efforts to improve access to clean water and sanitation across Oyo State.

He said the projects, undertaken by OYORUWASSA and UNICEF, are designed to directly address the pressing needs of rural communities and improve public health outcomes.

“The solar-powered boreholes will provide reliable and sustainable access to safe drinking water, while the toilet facilities are part of our broader campaign to promote hygiene and end open defecation”, he said.

“Today’s commissioning is not just a celebration of infrastructure but a reaffirmation of our commitment to equity, dignity, and sustainable development for all. Let us continue to work hand in hand to ensure that the gains made here are preserved, maintained, and scaled across other communities in the State. Thank you all for being a part of this transformative journey.”

In his contribution, the UNICEF Consultant, Mr. Orimoloye Emmanuel, commended the agency’s ongoing efforts and collaboration with international partners, especially in enhancing access to safe water and promoting hygiene behavior change at the grassroots level.

His words, “The achievements we are witnessing today are a result of strong partnerships, dedicated leadership, and community involvement,” the consultant stated. “Oyo State is steadily becoming a model for integrated WASH interventions in Nigeria.”

Orimoloye emphasized the need for sustained political will and community ownership to maintain and scale the gains made.

He urged local governments, traditional leaders, and civil society to prioritize long-term investments in WASH infrastructure and monitoring systems. “To ensure lasting impact, we must go beyond installations, we must foster a culture of maintenance, education, and inclusivity,” He added.

Community leaders, traditional rulers, and local government officials who attended the events expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government, OYORUWASSA, and UNICEF for the intervention.

They noted that the facilities would significantly reduce the burden of water scarcity and improve hygiene standards, particularly for women and children who are most affected by inadequate infrastructure.

They promised to take ownership of the facilities, ensure proper maintenance, and uphold hygienic practices.

Across the three local government areas, ten solar powered boreholes and eleven toilet facilities were commissioned.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has inaugurated a twenty-man State Task Group on Sanitation, (STGS) to eliminate open defecation and ensure equitable water, sanitation and hygiene by 2028.

The Task group, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo will coordinate and drive implementation of the National Open Defecation Free (ODF) Certification Protocol, to sensitize our communities, and to institutionalize hygiene practices across our schools, market places, healthcare facilities, and households.

This was revealed by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, who inaugurated the group on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.

According to the Deputy Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the group will address sanitation gaps in the State and end open defecation in Oyo state by 2028.

He charged the task group to step up the efficacy of awareness at public facilities on the need to own basic sanitation facilities.

“Many institutions still lack basic sanitation facilities- step up the efficacy of awareness, backing it up with tangent reasons to procure these facilities”, he said.

He expressed the State Government’s commitment towards eradicating open defecation, which informed the launching of STGS in the State.

In his welcome address, the Chairman, Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, OYORUWASSA, Alh. Babalola Afobaje, said that the inauguration of the task group will help to improve the sanitation and hygiene activities in Oyo State.

The Chairman highlighted that previously, Oyo State ranked among the worst for the prevalence of open defecation, according to a 2021 survey conducted by the Water Sanitation and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping (WASHNORM).

Also, the Chairman, Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Ecology and Water Resources, Hon. Olorunpoto Cephas reaffirmed the commitment of the Oyo State House of Assembly to support the mandate through enabling legislation, effective oversight, and advocacy.

“Our Committee is ready to work closely with RUWASSA, relevant MDAs, local government authorities, traditional institutions, and development partners to ensure this vision becomes a lived reality for our people”, he pointed out.

The United Nations Children’s Fund, (UNICEF) WASH Consultant, Mr. Monday Johnson briefed the gathering that the group comprises Government delegates responsible for conducting complementary, collaborative and oversight duties on the state sanitation programmes and projects.

The other members of the Task group  include, Mr. Omoyele Omofoyewa, Olalekan Isaac, Oyedele Oladayo, Rafiu Baasit, Mr. Obatowon, Mr. Abayomi Yusuff.

Others are: Mrs. Aileru-Foster, Mr. Olamide Adeniji, Mr. Femi Amusan, Mr. Ramoni Afeez Member, Mr. Adedeji Sunday, Mrs. Adewole Deola, Mrs. Oloyede Abimbola, Mrs. Mustapha Haulat, Mrs. Oyewole Bukola, Pastor Marcus, Dr. Adio Olusegun, Alhaja Aliu Jemilat among others.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government, through the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has joined the global community, to mark World Water Day, stressing its commitment to ensuring sustainable access to clean and safe drinking water for citizens.

World Water Day is celebrated on March 22 each year to raise awareness about the global water crisis and the millions of people without access to safe water. The day emphasizes the importance of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.

In a statement on Sunday, the Chairman, RUWASSA, Babalola Afobaje underscored the significance of this year’s theme, “Glacier Preservation,” emphasizing the urgent need for glacier preservation.

He highlighted the critical role glaciers play in regulating the global water cycle, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining human livelihoods.

Afobaje described glaciers as one of the most visible indicators of climate change, warning that their rapid melting signals alarming rise in global temperatures and alerts for imminent environmental dangers.

Data from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), notes that glaciers store nearly 70% of the world’s freshwater supply, making their loss a severe threat to water security, food production, and ecosystem stability.

Although Nigeria does not have glaciers, the Chairman stressed that their melting has far-reaching consequences, including rising sea levels, coastal flooding, extreme weather events, and freshwater shortages.

He pointed out that climate-induced temperature increases are already affecting Nigeria’s agriculture, water availability, and disaster resilience.

Afobaje acknowledged the vital role of water in public health, environmental sustainability, and economic development, pointing out that the Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has prioritized investments in water infrastructure and resource management since assuming office in 2019.

He assured that the Oyo State Government will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to expand access to potable water, enhance climate-resilient infrastructure, and strengthen policies that guarantee a water-secure future for Oyo State.

The Chairman, Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Alhaji Babalola Afobaje, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to improving water supply and sanitation across the state.

In a significant step toward this goal, he officially presented essential water equipment to the Director of Water in his office, at the agency.

Speaking at the presentation, Alhaji Afobaje emphasized the importance of providing the necessary tools to enhance water infrastructure and ensure sustainable access to clean water in rural communities.

He commended the agency’s efforts in addressing water supply challenges and reiterated the Government’s dedication to supporting initiatives that promote public health and environmental sanitation.

The Director of Water, Alhaji S.K Olayiwola, in response, expressed gratitude for the gesture and assured that the equipment would be put to optimal use to enhance water supply and sanitation services in the state.

This initiative aligns with the Oyo State Government’s broader strategy to improve access to safe and potable water, particularly in rural areas, contributing to the well-being and economic development of the people.

The Oyo State Government says it is working in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), to review, finalize, and validate the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) policy document and its implementation strategies.

The Chairman, Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Alhaji Babalola Afobaje said this at a stakeholders’ engagement on Thursday in Ibadan.

He said the collaboration with UNICEF and WaterAid Nigeria will enhance water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services within the State.

Afobaje said the measure was a significant milestone aimed at overview of the policy gathering principles and institutional arrangements.

“This document is essential for attracting investments from both local and international development partners, as it outlines the State’s commitment to improving access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and achieving an open defecation-free status”, he said.

Alhaji Afobaje also emphasized the Agency’s dedication to transforming the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) policy into actionable law through an executive order.

According to him, the validation marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of sustainable development and climate resilience in the State and the sub region.

“This move aims to ensure the policy’s sustainability and effectiveness in creating a healthier environment”, he said.

“The workshop underscored the importance of involving various stakeholders to ensure the policy is comprehensive and addresses the unique needs of different communities within the State.”

The validation of the WASH policy is anticipated to provide a clear framework for implementing WASH initiatives across Oyo State.

The Chairman highlighted that the policy would serve as a guiding framework to stimulate concrete action to protect the environment and secure the future of the State.

In his goodwill message, UNICEF representative, Mr. Monday Johnson, stated that UNICEF is committed to the development of WASH Policy in the State.

He further emphasized that UNICEF will develop and document the necessary steps to advance the State’s progress in this sector.

The representative of WaterAid Nigeria, Mr. Adebayo Alao, expressed his organization’s commitment to the program.

He recalled that WaterAid Nigeria began supporting the State in this effort as far back as 1990.

“I believe today’s meeting is an opportunity to finalize this policy and move forward”, he said.

He stated that, “After today, we will have a policy that is acceptable to all stakeholders, enabling us to work together to advance the sector.”

Dignitaries at the workshop were the Chairman, Oyo State Water Corporation, Hon. Elias Adeojo; General Manager, Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Mr. Adeduntan; Ag General Manager, Oyo State Water Corporation, Mrs. Sotanwa Rojis.

The Oyo State Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Lagos Field Office have urged residents of the State to recommit to the practice of proper hand washing method.

According to the statement signed by Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Oyo State, the Chairman, Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (OYORUWASSA), Mr. Babalola Afobaje stated this at an event in Okolo, Ibarapa-East Local Government to commemorate the  Year 2024 Global Hand-washing Day, with the theme “Why are Clean Hands still Important?”.

He emphasized the life-saving importance of hand-washing with soap, calling it a health necessity that prevents the spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea and pneumonia.

Afobaje noted that significant progress has been made by the Government in promoting hygiene in Oyo State, through different efforts, with the support of UNICEF and other developmental partners.

Afobaje therefore added that it is essential to maintain and improve hand-washing practices beyond public health emergencies.

He acknowledged the support of partners such as UNICEF and Sato Lixil in promoting health hygiene in Oyo State.

The Chairman also called on the media to play a critical role in spreading the message of hand-washing to nooks and crannies of Nigeria.

“Each of us has a role to play in making hand-washing a universal practice,” he said.

“Handwashing with soap is an important prevention for sanitation-related diseases. It will prevent us in Oyo State, particularly Ibarapa-East local Government from getting sick,” the Chairman noted.

In his own words, UNICEF Water and Sanitation (WASH) Specialist, Mr. Monday Johnson stressed that Ibarapa-East local Government is  very key in hand-washing campaign, adding that this is why the 2024 global event is celebrated in Okolo.

Johnson said hand-washing practice prevents disease outbreaks and reduces the impact of future pandemics.

He also highlighted its role in combating pandemics and supporting efforts to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

The UNICEF Specialist acknowledged that some parts of Ibarapa-East still lack access to toilet facilities, adding that UNICEF hopes to end open defecation in Ibarapa-East local Government very soon through the support of RUWASSA and Sato Lixil.

He appealed to market men and women, teachers, parents and guardians to push for hand-washing practices in their homes.

The Director, Community Mobilisation and Hygiene Education, OYORUWASSA, Mr. Adegoke Ayodele called on parents and all stakeholders to key into the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target, which focuses on access to water and sanitation.

He said parents and teachers must accelerate efforts to improve hygiene services in the State.

“Help the Oyo State Government amplify hygiene messages and inspire your children to take responsibility for their health and the health of others,” he said.

Adegoke urged all stakeholders to take concrete actions to ensure universal hand hygiene.

To commemorate the 2024 Global Handwashing Day on October 15, the Director, Environmental Health Services, Ibarapa East LGA, Mrs. Elizabeth Akintola demonstrated hand washing techniques in the presence of school pupils and parents present.

The event was attended by the Vice-chairman, Ibarapa-East Local Government, Hon. Olakunle Jacob, who led other members of the local Government to the event.

Also in attendance were the General Manager, OYORUWASSA, Mr. Mumeeni Adeduntan; Director Environmental Services, Ministry of Environment and Natural resources, Mrs. Bukola Areo; representative of Sato Lixil, Michael Adegbe; traditional rulers and residents of the town.

In line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration ongoing rural and urban development agenda, aimed at improving overall water quality across the 33 local government areas.

The Chairman of Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (OYORUWASSA), AIhaji Babalola Afobaje has commenced distribution of water testing kits and household water purification tablets to prevent water-borne diseases.

According to him, “this initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that households, particularly in rural areas, have access to safe and clean drinking water.”

“These steps underscore Makinde commitment in addressing water challenges and enhancing public health through better water sanitation practices.”

Afobaje stressed that, household water purification tablets are to be used in stemming any outbreak of communicable diseases.

He implored LGAs to do what needs to be done to protect the lives of these vulnerable groups by preventing the menace of communicable diseases in Oyo State.

“Unsafe water and poor sanitation are major sources of deadly communicable diseases and enjoined all and sundry to be proactive as Makinde administration is working assiduously to eradicate disease outbreaks in the State,” he concluded.

The Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (OYORUWASSA) has partnered with UNICEF and LIXIL representatives from Kenya to ensure SATO PAN toilets are installed across the State, towards eliminating open defecation in the State by 2028.

While speaking during the inspection of some communities at Egbeda and Ona Ara axis of Ibadan, the Chairman of the Agency, Hon Babalola Afobaje commended Governor Seyi Makinde and UNICEF for their unwavering support in fostering a clean and healthy environment, particularly for children.

The Chairman assured that the agency’s sanitation efforts would benefit both urban and rural residents, promoting the use of SATO PAN toilets to achieve this goal.

Speaking also during the inspection, the General Manager, OYORUWASSA, Mr. Adeduntan Mumeen, stressed the importance of SATO PAN toilets as a swift solution to the open defecation challenge

He reiterated that Oyo State would attain open defecation-free status through the collaborative efforts of all relevant stakeholders.

UNICEF WASH Specialist, Mr. Monday Johnson, emphasized that increased access to SATO PAN toilets would lead to a healthier environment and ultimately end open defecation in the State.

He urged stakeholders to educate the public on the benefits of maintaining a clean environment and praised OYORUWASSA, LGAs, and Toilet Business Owners (TBOs) for their contributions to this cause.

Similarly, representative from LIXIL Organisation, Mr. Samuel Langat stated that the use of SATO PAN toilets is essential for living in a clean environment.

Langat said that the team’s visit was aimed at engaging critical stakeholders and Toilets business owners (TBOs) regarding the sales, installation, and usage of SATO products.

He added that by 2030, everyone should have access to smart toilets through the use of SATO products.

Present at the event were Directors of Sanitation Egbeda LGA, Mrs. Victoria Baale, and Ona Ara LGA, Mrs. Rashidat Popoola.

The Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) on Monday, donated Motorcycles, Ahuja Speakers, Sanitary items to ten (10) Local Government areas in the State.

The contribution is part of activities to mark 100 days in office of the Chairman, RUWASSA, Alh. Babalola Afobaje.

The items included 100 Ahuja Speakers, 6 motorcycles (2 each for Egbeda, Ona-Ara and Ibarapa-East local governments) and sanitary items to be distributed based on selection criteria in 10 Local Government areas.

Afobaje said that the presentation of the items was aimed at ensuring a complete end to open defecation in the councils, as well as communities in the State.

Reeling out his achievements in the past 100 days, Alh. Afobaje said the agency has enjoyed tremendous support from UNICEF in its efforts to end open defecation in Egbeda, Ona-Ara and Ibarapa-East.

He added that under his supervision, the Agency has drilled Solar boreholes across some local governments in the State.

Afobaje added that the purpose of the donation was to support the efforts of local government areas in ending open defecation.

He urged the authorities to ensure timely distribution of the items to the beneficiaries.

Afobaje noted that the Agency’s partnership with UNICEF had, to a large extent, impacted the lives of people of the State positively.

Alh. Afobaje commended Gov. Seyi Makinde for his unwavering support for the agency, which has attracted international partnerships with UNICEF and other donors.

In his remark, the Chairman, Egbeda Local government area, Hon. Sikiru Sanda expressed appreciation to RUWASSA for the gesture.

He called on other international partners, donors, NGOs, corporate organisations and wealthy individuals to emulate RUWASSA’s gesture of responding to the needs of the less-privileged in order to ameliorate their sufferings.

He assured that all the items received would be used for the exact purpose for which they were intended.

The affected local governments include: Egbeda, Ibarapa East, Ogo-oluwa, Iseyin, Oluyole, Ibadan South East, Ona-ara, among others.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has commissioned a newly-purchased water drilling rig at the State Secretariat in Ibadan on Monday.

The drilling rig with compressor, mounted on a Lealand Trailer did a test drilling of a borehole close to the old House of Assembly Complex in the State Secretariat.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Olawale Mogbonjubola said issues relating to water sufficiency would be a paramount area of interest to the present administration, which led to the overhauling of the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (OYRUWASSA).

He hinted that the rig was the first to be purchased by any Government in Oyo State and would be put to maximum use by the agency.

“The Governor is happy for the history we are making today, as this is the first drilling rig with compressor to be purchased by any administration in Oyo State.

“It signifies the fact that water sufficiency will be our target, especially at the grassroot, our people will no more suffer lack of portable water and health consequences.”

In his welcome address, the Chairman OYRUWASSA, Engr. Najeem Omirinde said he was happy for the gesture of the State Government in procuring the drilling rig.

Omirinde hinted that the agency already started drilling of boreholes at strategic places like schools, markets, parks and other areas which would take care of basic water needs of the people.

He enjoined the people of the State to continue giving their support to the State Government so as to enjoy more dividends of democracy.

Dignitaries at the event include the member, House of Assembly Committee on Water, Hon. Alabanla Adekunle, Commissioner for Health and Water Resources, Barr. Idowu Oyeleke, Chairman, Oyo State House of Assembly Commission, Hon. Musah AbdulWasi.

Others are members of the OYORUWASSA board among who are Engr. Abu Salam, Hon. Olayiwola and Evangelist Ayobami Sunday.

Signed:

Wasiu Olatubosun (P.hd),

Hon. Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Ibadan.