By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Federal Government has solicited the support of Religious and Community leaders in promoting the Clean Nigeria Campaign, Use the toilet, End Open Defecation in the country.
Professor Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation disclosed thisbwhen he led management staff on an advocacy visit to Most Reverend Ignatius Kaigama, the Archbishop, Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja.
The Minister explained that though the campaign against open defecation in the country has recorded some success with one hundred and forty-two Local Government Areas achieving open defecation free status and others in the process of certification, there is need for collective efforts to achieve the Open Defecation Free target by the year 2030.
Professor Utsev said it is in the light of this that the Ministry has taken the advocacy to religious leaders, which he identified as one of the critical stakeholders to scale up the campaign and educate Nigerians on the health implications of open defecation.
Reacting to the Minister, Most Reverend Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop, Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja said Professor Utsev is the first serving Minister to visit the Diocese with a message of promoting healthy living.
He thanked him for identifying with the church noting that his visit will go along way in bridging the gap between government and the people.
He expressed appreciation to the Minister for embarking on the crusade to save lives and promote personal hygiene.
This advocacy by the Minister will be extended to other religious groups across the country.
