In its resolve to end open defecation by 2025, Ogun State Government says it has formulated a document for adoption that will serve as a guiding template and working tool for the attainment of open defecation free status in the State.

The Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said this at the official commissioning of an ultra-modern toilet facility donated by David Alaba Foundation, noting that the document was put together to achieve the United Nations  Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDGs 6), aimed at ensuring adequate sanitation and good hygiene for residents.

Abiodun, represented by the State Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Hon. Olufemi Ilori-Oduntan, assured that his administration would continue to formulate policies and implement programmes that would impact positively on the welfare and wellness of the people.

He added that "we will continue to encourage all genuine efforts from corporate bodies, organisations and individuals to collaborate more with the government as David Alaba Foundation has led the way in this new era of philanthropy and community development".

The Governor said the genuine collaboration of the private sector and contributions of public-spirited individuals would further guarantee good health and socio-economic well-being of the people, describing the gesture as a step towards eradicating open defecation in communities.

Abiodun, who emphasised the importance of the project, noted that the construction of the toilet facility in Ogere-Remo community would prevent open defecation in the area.

He enjoined the people to always maintain proper hygiene to prevent them from contracting diseases and appealed to members of the public to ensure that toilets were incorporated in their building plans.

Also speaking, the Minister for Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu, applauded the donor for the construction of the toilet facility, saying it was a demonstration of private sector support through philanthropic gestures to the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign geared towards accelerating the provision of toilets in public places.

Adamu recalled that David Alaba, a foreign footballer was one of the Ambassadors of the Campaign and had donated the facility to appreciate the government and to support the eradication of Open Defecation in Nigeria, noting that it was a clarion call to Nigerians in Diaspora to mobilise for the campaign through giving back to their various communities.

In his remark, the Chairman, Ikenne Local Government, Hon. Olusegun Ogunleye, represented by the Supervisor for Health, Water and Environment Sanitation, Hon. Ademola Awosipe expressed delight in the humanitarian services of the Foundation, particularly in the council area, promising that the facility would be judiciously used for the benefit of all.

On his part, the donor, David Alaba, who spoke virtually said his contribution towards curbing open defecation in Ogun State was borne out of the need to enhance the Federal Government’s initiative targeted at implementing a transformational sanitation promotion agenda, appreciating the present administration for the privilege to serve humanity.

 Responding, the Seriki Hausa, Ogere-Remo Community, Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar, lauded David Alaba Foundation for the donation, saying the facility would be well maintained.