By Isaiah Eka
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has called on stakeholders to collaborate towards tackling open defecation in Akwa Ibom.
The NOA Director in Akwa Ibom, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, made the call at a media briefing on Tuesday in Uyo.
Mkpoutom said that the health, environmental, and social hazards of open defecation to the society were severe.
He said that relevant stakeholders in the state should urgently collaborate towards finding a lasting solution to open defecation.
“There is need for collective action towards promoting proper sanitation and hygiene among the people,” he said.
The NOA official stated that the campaign against open defecation was not the responsibility of government alone.
“It is a civic duty for every citizen. The health and well-being of members of the public should be paramount.
“Open defecation exposes our communities to preventable diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea,” he said.
Mkpoutom stated that governments and private sector investors should collaborate to ensure that every household had access to clean and safe toilet.
He said that a healthy population was more productive, and that communities with better hygiene would attract more development opportunities.
“Another thing we must preach is behavioural change through public education and awareness campaigns.
“When we prioritise sanitation, we invest in our future. Let us take pride in our environment and protect it for generations to come,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)