The federal government is to collaborate with the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC to address sanitation issues in the country.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry of water resources and sanitation, Mr Richard Pheelangwah made this kniwn at a two-day sensitization workshop organized for Community Development Service (CDS) Focal Officers of the NYSC on the Clean Nigeria Campaign in Abuja.
Pheelangwah represented by the Director Reforms and Coordination in the Ministry, Moses Madugu stressed that the government has put in place several other initiatives to accelerate progress on WASH such as the Partnership for Expanded Water Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH), Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH).
“The Clean Nigeria Campaign is a clarion call to action, and we are excited to collaborate with the NYSC to mobilize Corps members nationwide. Through your CDS activities, we aim to trigger a sanitation revolution to end open defecation in Nigeria” Pheelangwah added.
“With our recently reviewed Strategic Plan which was launched by the Vice President on 19th November, 2024, it is believed that activities will be rolled out in line with the YouthWASH Strategy to accelerate progress while we count on your active participation and engagement” he noted.
In her welcome address, the
Director Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, explained that the primary goal of the training is to equip the NYSC CDS officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively contribute to the goals of the Clean Nigeria Campaign.
“Over the next two days, we will delve into key strategies, share best practices, and engage in collaborative activities designed to inspire and empower you”
Mrs Ugoh emphasized that the Campaign is not just about achieving set goals but fostering a community that is passionate and committed to making a positive impact in the Sanitation Sector.
“Your involvement is crucial, and we believe that through this training workshop, you will gain valuable insights that will enhance your role in our efforts to reach out to individuals in our various communities across the country”she stressed
She therefore urged the NYSC CDS officers to actively participate in Knowledge sharing bearing in mind that this is a collaborative effort and all voices matter.
“Let’s make the most of our time together and work towards a successful training that will dive into a wide spread Campaign, achieving our goals thereby creating healthier environments for the well being of the Nigerian populace” Mrs Ugoh added
Also the Director General of the National Youth Corps Service, NYSC, Brigadier General Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed represented by the Deputy Director Education, Mrs Funmilayo Ajayi who stressed that the partnership is to raise awareness on hygiene and Sanitation at the grassroots pledged readiness to work closely with the Ministry for a cleaner society.
In her paper presentation, the National Coordinator of the Clean Nigeria, Use the Toilet Campaign, Mrs Chizoba Okpara who said that open defecation free is everyone’s responsibility added that the collaboration is expected to conduct community awareness campaign through the corp members to promote behavioural change
In his Goodwill Message, the National Coordinator YouthWASH Initiative Africa, Mr. Nature Uchenna Obiakor explained the National YouthWASH Strategic Framework was launched in 2023 to Promote Youth Engagement, Encourage and equip young people to lead water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives at community, state, and national levels.
Mr. Obiakor who stressed that the youths are very creative hence the need for partnership called for more collaborations from stakeholders in the water sector to build a cleaner and healthier nation for generations to come
“Our efforts are aligned with national and global goals, including the Clean Nigeria Campaign and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The two day workshop put together by the Ministry of water Resources and Sanitation in collaboration with “Self Help Africa” had participants drawn from the 36 states and the FCT.
