Open Defecation: Group donates toilet facilities to schools in Akwa Ibom

UYO – A socio-cultural group in Akwa Ibom, Greater Obio Ndoho in collaboration with an international Non-Governmental Organization in the United States of America, Mkpat – Abasi has donated a block of eight ultra-modern toilets to QIC Primary School, Ikot Obio Ndoho in Mkpat Enin local government area of Akwa Ibom state

Inaugurating the project, Transition Committee Chairman of Mkpat Enin LGA, Hon. Mercy Bassey applauded the donors for being committed to improving the general well-being and sanitation of the people in the area and enjoined them especially, the school to maintain the facilities for improved hygiene.

Also speaking, the founder of Greater Obio Ndoho group, Prof Mabel Ikpim Ekott said that, the goal of the group for implementing the project was to promote the developmental advancement of the community by supporting quality education, health and capacity building of the youths in the community.

Ekott, who is a Professor of obstetrics and Gynaecology University of Calabar and Honorary Chief Consultant Obstetrician explained that, the project became necessary to address poor sanitation and hygiene associated with health hazards to the pupils, teachers, and the community.

According to her,
“We provided a borehole in the school in 2020 to supply potable drinking water and promote hand hygiene among the pupils. We noticed the school had a dug out pit gleaned off with black cellophane for pupils and students to use as toilet.

” Poor toilet hygiene is associated with health hazards to the pupils, teachers, and the community. The pupils and the community are at risk of faecal -oral infections and infestations like hepatitis A and E ,typhoid , cholera and worm infestations.

” We undertook the project to promote good toilet hygiene in the school . The pupils would be taught toilet hygiene at an early age, which would have a life- long impact on their health and wellbeing. Our project is also in keeping with the World Health Organisation’s goal of ending open defecation by 2025.

“This is in line with the sustainability goals of the federal Republic of Nigeria to end open defecation by 2025, it is in our place to Promote good health and wellbeing through the provision of clean water and implementation of proper sanitary conditions.

“Today, more than ever, it is essential to implement tools to ensure equitable sanitation and hygiene and paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations in the community.

Also, the president of Mkpat-Abasi group, USA, Dr Joseph Akpanikot noted that, the project would enhance the sanitation, effective teaching and learning process of the school.

The president, who was represented by the group Treasurer, Mr Steve Ikpim through zoom assured that, the project would checkmate diseases caused by open defecation among pupils, teachers and the community.

He however, implored the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the facility.

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