World Toilet Day: Oyo Govt Partners UNICEF, SATO to Advance Safe Sanitation

World Toilet Day: Oyo Govt Partners UNICEF, SATO to Advance Safe Sanitation

The Oyo State Government, through the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (OYORUWASSA), has reiterated its commitment to promoting safe sanitation across the state as part of activities marking the 2025 World Toilet Day.

The event, held on Wednesday at the Local Government Staff Training School Conference Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan, was organised in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Lagos Field Office, and SATO, a sanitation solutions brand under LIXIL. This year’s World Toilet Day is themed “We’ll Always Need the Toilet.”

Speaking at the workshop, the Chairman of OYORUWASSA, Alhaji Babalola Afobaje, stressed the critical importance of functional, safe, and dignified sanitation systems for disease prevention, environmental protection, climate resilience, and human dignity. He described toilets as “life-saving infrastructure” central to public health.

Afobaje applauded the longstanding partnership between Oyo State and UNICEF, particularly in the push toward achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. He noted progress made so far but emphasized the need for increased investments in climate-resilient sanitation systems to meet the state’s target of ending open defecation by 2028.

He also commended stakeholders across the sanitation sector for their contributions, noting that their roles are vital in sustaining safe sanitation services amid rapid urbanization, population growth, and climate-related pressures.

In his welcome remarks, the General Manager of OYORUWASSA, Mr. Adeniyi Adeduntan, reaffirmed that access to safe toilets remains a fundamental necessity regardless of advancements in technology or society. He stressed the importance of integrating sanitation into long-term planning, budgeting, and behavioural change programmes.

Adeduntan warned that weak or inadequate sanitation systems often trigger disease outbreaks and environmental pollution. He also highlighted the disproportionate impact on women and girls, who face increased health risks, vulnerability to abuse, and school absenteeism when clean and safe toilet facilities are unavailable.

According to him, toilets are a basic human right and form the backbone of public health, gender equity, and sustainable development.

The workshop reviewed the current state of sanitation and faecal waste management in Oyo State, identified gaps and opportunities, and strengthened collaboration among agencies and development partners. Participants also discussed strategies for expanding toilet access and maintaining ODF status across all local government areas.

Delivering the keynote presentation, Mr. Victor Oyejide, Co-founder of Recycledge and Partnership Lead for Young Water Professionals (International Water Association), called for sustained awareness campaigns on dignified sanitation. He emphasized the particular challenges faced by vulnerable groups—especially women, girls, and young people—who lack access to clean and comfortable toilets.

Oyejide noted that many schoolgirls miss classes during menstruation due to inadequate WASH facilities. He urged the government and private sector to invest more in innovative sanitation solutions, including mobile and static toilet systems. He also encouraged the public to adopt proper toilet practices and maintain personal hygiene through the use of soap, tissue paper, and hand sanitizers.

He added that sanitation should be seen not only as a health necessity but also as an economic opportunity that can drive innovation and enterprise.

At the end of the workshop, participants expressed optimism that the renewed partnerships and discussions would accelerate efforts to achieve an Open Defecation Free Oyo State while strengthening sustainable faecal sludge management across communities.

E-signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Hon. Commissioner for Information, Oyo State
November 19, 2025

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