The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with the Kwara for Kwarans Initiative, has launched a sensitisation campaign aimed at promoting hygiene and safe sanitation practices.

The campaign, launched at Oja Tuntun Market in Ilorin and themed "Say No to Open Defecation", featured presentations on proper hygiene, safe sanitation, and community responsibilities, emphasising the role of collective action in building healthier and cleaner communities in the state.

The Kwara State Commissioner for Water Resources, Usman Yunusa Lade, reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving the wellbeing of residents. He highlighted the state's achievements in water and sanitation and underscored the importance of initiatives like this campaign in promoting public health.

The Commissioner assured traders and residents at Oja Tuntun that the government would continue to provide support for sanitation facilities, whilst appealing to communities to actively manage and maintain the infrastructure provided.

"Government can provide toilets and water, but it is the responsibility of residents to ensure proper management," he said.

The General Manager of the Kwara State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Chief Olorunfemi Oladipo, expressed appreciation to the State Government and the people of Kwara for their collaboration in driving the campaign.

He emphasised that government interventions alone are not sufficient to achieve sustainable sanitation, stressing that active community participation is essential.

Chief Oladipo explained that RUWASSA has implemented several programmes across Kwara State to improve access to clean water and sanitation, noting that when communities take ownership, the facilities provided last longer and have a greater impact on public health.

He further highlighted the importance of continuous education, stating that sensitisation campaigns like "Say No to Open Defecation" are critical to changing behaviours and fostering proper hygiene practices at the grassroots level.

The RUWASSA General Manager also stressed the agency's commitment to ongoing monitoring and support for communities, ensuring that water and sanitation facilities remain functional and properly maintained. He encouraged residents to see these facilities as collective property, reinforcing the idea that sustainability is a shared responsibility.

Earlier, Ambassador Anjorin Babatunde, Convener of the Kwara for Kwarans Initiative, who delivered the opening remarks, highlighted the need for collective efforts to achieve a cleaner environment. He thanked the Kwara State Government and RUWASSA for their dedication to improving sanitation at Oja Tuntun Market.

The event also featured presentations from Mr Olalekan Rufai, Head of Department, Sanitation and Hygiene, who educated participants on proper hygiene practices and safe sanitation, reaffirming their commitment to supporting initiatives that promote public health and wellbeing.