Osun First Lady Calls For Artisan Involvement In Eradicating Of Open Defecation In Nigeria

Artisans in the film industry in Nigeria have been called upon to join forces with stakeholders to tackle the practice of open defecation in their various domains.

Wife of the Governor of Osun, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola made the call while presenting a paper at the 4th National Conference of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Producers Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) theme “Ending Open Defecation Practices in Nigeria,the role of entertainers held in Ibadan,Oyo State.

Wife of the Governor who spoke through the honourable member representing Ifelodun State Constituency Hon Mulikat Jimoh said Open defecation which is an age practice that occurs on the fields,shrubs , backyard of houses,forest and other places other than clean toilet or latrines which has become so convenient for people in the nooks and crannies of the federation.

Mrs Oyetola stressed that according to the data contained in the National Road Map some State show higher than the national average 37% with regard to open Defecation practices are Ekiti, Plateau,Oyo, Cross River, Benue, Taraba,Nassarawa, Kwara, Enugu, Ondo,Osun and Kebbi States among others, adding that in South West Zone , most of the states do not stand on very solid ground of hygiene and sanitation.

Mrs Oyetola who quoted from the world bank report stated that not less than 260 billion dollars is lost annually due to ill- Health and loss of production of productive time arising from poor sanitation, in which Nigeria has lost N455 billion according to studies report.

Wife of the Governor emphasized that as entertainers stopping open Defecation is a challenge which can only be accomplished by their involvement and dedication and also answer to the call to rid bodies of waste daily, irrespective of any social class, religion, wealth or profession adding that, it is an issue that concerns everybody and must be tackled by all and sundry in the society.

Mrs Oyetola urged all members of TAMPAN to take the awareness campaign to their various States, local governments, religious houses among professional colleagues,school , markets and various social platforms which will go a long way in tackling the menace.