By Joy Odor
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Architect Sonny Echono, has assured governments resolve to use the nations educational institutions to enlighten Nigerians against the hazard of open defecation.
The resolve is in pursuant of the attainment of the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Declaration that calls for access to clean water and sanitation by the year 2030.
Architect Echono stated this in Abuja when he led a delegation of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, (NIA), to the Honourable Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu, on a working visit.
The Permanent Secretary, who is also the President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, said the Education Ministry is willing to partner with public and private institutions, including the NIA in sensitizing Nigerians on the effects of poor hygiene and sanitation on public health.
He declared the willingness of the Nigerian Institute of Architects to partner with government and other stakeholders in attaining the goals of the Agenda 2030 sustainable Development Declaration to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Architect Echono pledged that the Institute will come up with functional and durable solutions to the issue sanitation-related issues, especially that of open defecation.
In his remarks, Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu commended the Nigerian Institute of Architect for supporting the campaign against open defecation.
Engr. Adamu who revealed plans to provide sanitation facilities in the nations public schools, tasked the architects on designing prototypes of functional and durable toilets that will help curb the menace of public defecation and other sanitation issues.
He said these toilets will not only serve public schools but other public institutions and recreational centres.
The Minister added that these toilets will serve as revenue generators for government thereby ensuring its sustainability.
Signed:
Ben Bem Goong
Director, Press and Public Relations
18th September, 2020
