In a unified effort to achieve an Open Defecation Free (ODF) Nigeria by the new date of 2030, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in collaboration with SELF HELP AFRICA, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and other Development Partners have reinforced their alliance to accelerate progress.
This commitment was highlighted during a 2-day intensive training for NYSC Community Development Service (CDS) Officers on the Clean Nigeria Campaign, held between January 16–17, 2025, in Nasarawa State.
Delivering the keynote address, the Permanent Secretary , Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, represented by the Director, Reforms Coordination of the Ministry , Mr. Moses Jo-Madugu reaffirmed the government’s dedication to creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Nigeria by underscoring the urgent need to tackle the high rates of open defecation.
While calling for intensified efforts to sustain and expand progress, he highlighted the campaign’s milestones to include 136 Local Government Areas and Jigawa State as open defecation free.
The Permanent Secretary outlined several flagship initiatives, such as the Partnership for Expanded Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH), Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) program, and the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with YouthWASH.
Mr. Pheelangwah also underscored the crucial role of NYSC CDS Officers in the Clean Nigeria Campaign, describing their participation as a “clarion call to action” and encouraging Corps members nationwide to lead a sanitation revolution.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed represented by Mrs. Funmilayo Ajayi, Deputy Director Education commended the collaboration with the Ministry and Development Partners as a pivotal step in galvanizing youth-led advocacy for the Clean Nigeria Campaign.
He stressed the importance of equipping Corps members with the knowledge and tools needed to implement impactful grassroots initiatives, urging participants to work closely with local communities and authorities to eliminate open defecation.
In her remarks, the Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, reiterated the workshop’s primary goal to empower participants with practical skills and strategies to drive meaningful contributions to the campaign.
She emphasized the importance of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and grassroots engagement in creating a dedicated community to sustain the campaign’s momentum.
The National Coordinator of the Clean Nigeria Campaign, Mrs. Chizoma Opara, highlighted both the achievements and ongoing challenges of the campaign, calling for increased funding, enhanced advocacy, and political commitment at all levels.
She solicited for the support of the State Governors and other stakeholders for high-level dedication, and also encouraged Private Sector and Development partners to support the initiative.
Delivering a Goodwill Message, the National Coordinator, YouthWASH Africa, Mr. Nature Uchenna Obiakor, highlighted the National YouthWASH Strategic Framework launched in 2023. He outlined its objectives, including promoting youth engagement, equipping young people to lead WASH initiatives, and fostering partnerships to achieve sustainable sanitation solutions.
Mr. Obiakor commended the creativity and passion of Nigerian youths and called for greater collaboration among stakeholders.
Participants at the training include NYSC Community Development Service (CDS) officers from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as stakeholders in water resources and Development Partners.
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director Information and Public Relations
