The Oyo state government says it is working in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), to review, finalize, and validate the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) policy document and its implementation strategies.
The Chairman, Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Alhaji Babalola Afobaje said this at a stakeholders’ engagement on Thursday in Ibadan.
He said the collaboration with UNICEF and WaterAid Nigeria will enhance water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services within the state.
Afobaje said the measure was a significant milestone aimed at overview of the policy gathering principles and institutional arrangements.
“This document is essential for attracting investments from both local and international development partners, as it outlines the state’s commitment to improving access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and achieving an open defecation-free status”, he said.
Alhaji Afobaje also emphasized the Agency’s dedication to transforming the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) policy into actionable law through an executive order.
According to him, the validation marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of sustainable development and climate resilience in the state and the sub region.
“This move aims to ensure the policy’s sustainability and effectiveness in creating a healthier environment”, he said.
“The workshop underscored the importance of involving various stakeholders to ensure the policy is comprehensive and addresses the unique needs of different communities within the state.”
The validation of the WASH policy is anticipated to provide a clear framework for implementing WASH initiatives across Oyo State.
The Chairman highlighted that the policy would serve as a guiding framework to stimulate concrete action to protect the environment and secure the future of the state.
In his goodwill message, UNICEF representative, Mr. Monday Johnson, stated that UNICEF is committed to the development of WASH Policy in the state.
He further emphasized that UNICEF will develop and document the necessary steps to advance the state’s progress in this sector.
The representative of WaterAid Nigeria, Mr. Adebayo Alao, expressed his organization’s commitment to the program.
He recalled that WaterAid Nigeria began supporting the state in this effort as far back as 1990.
“I believe today’s meeting is an opportunity to finalize this policy and move forward”, he said.
He stated that, “After today, we will have a policy that is acceptable to all stakeholders, enabling us to work together to advance the sector.”
Dignitaries at the workshop were the Chairman, Oyo State Water Corporation, Hon. Elias Adeojo; General Manager, Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Mr. Adeduntan; Ag General Manager, Oyo State Water Corporation, Mrs. Sotanwa Rojis.