The North East Youth Ambassador for Peace and Development (NEYAPD) has expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, for their dedicated efforts to advance Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by the group’s Coordinator, Comrade Usman Usman, NEYAPD acknowledged the significant progress made in improving WASH standards across the nation. Usman highlighted the crucial role of the ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet’ campaign in enhancing the health, dignity, and well-being of Nigerians, especially in rural areas.
He commended the Federal Government’s commitment to meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6.1 and 6.2 for WASH through the establishment of the Steering Committee for the Campaign to End Open Defecation in Nigeria, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The statement noted the government’s key strategies, such as the declaration of a State of Emergency in the WASH sector and the launch of the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Sanitation & Hygiene programme, which have contributed to significant progress.
Usman also praised the collaborative efforts with stakeholders, which have facilitated the sharing of resources, expertise, and best practices.
The statement read: “Nigeria’s progress in improving WASH standards is commendable, and the ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet’ Campaign has been instrumental in safeguarding the health and dignity of Nigerians, particularly in rural areas. The initiative’s focus on increasing access to sanitation facilities, promoting hygiene practices, and engaging communities has yielded remarkable results, including the declaration of one state and 126 Local Government Areas as Open Defecation Free (ODF).
“The government’s commitment to achieving SDG 6.1 and 6.2 targets is evident through the Steering Committee’s efforts and comprehensive strategies, including the National Action Plan and the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Sanitation & Hygiene programme.
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“Collaboration with state governments, local authorities, civil society organizations, and international partners has been crucial in driving progress. This partnership has ensured a coordinated approach to addressing WASH challenges.
“As young people, we understand the importance of access to clean water and sanitation services for all. We urge President Tinubu and Minister Utsev to continue prioritizing WASH development to ensure that every Nigerian has access to these essential services.
“We commend President Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to WASH development, and we applaud Minister Utsev for his tireless efforts in promoting healthy living and advancing the ‘Clean Nigeria’ campaign. Their contributions have been instrumental in the progress achieved so far.
“The North East Youth Ambassador for Peace and Development pledges its support for continued WASH development and urges President Tinubu and Minister Utsev to persist until every Nigerian has access to clean water and sanitation services.”
