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.