The Jigawa State Government has announced that it has spent N500 million to provide improved latrines in public places across the state. The move is part of the government’s efforts to ensure the sustainability of its Open Defecation Free, ODF, status.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Ibrahim Hannungiwa, disclosed this on Wednesday in Dutse, the state capital. He said the government had set up a committee to work out modalities for the maintenance and expansion of the public conveniences.
He added that the government had also done a lot to educate the rural communities on the importance of using toilets and maintaining hygiene.
“Jigawa state is the only and the first state so far declared by UNICEF as Open Defecation Free in Nigeria,” he said.
He also revealed that the state governor, Umar Namadi, had been appointed as ODF Ambassador by the UN Agency, in recognition of his leadership and commitment to the cause.
