WaterAid, RSU, Rivers Govt Chart New Path to End Open Defecation as Experts Push for Bio-Digester Technology
WaterAid, RSU, Rivers Govt Chart New Path to End Open Defecation as Experts Push for Bio-Digester Technology
The Centre for Water and Sanitation Studies (CeWASS) at the Rivers State University (RSU) has hosted a high-profile gathering of experts and policymakers to mark the 2025 World Toilet Day.
Held at the university’s Amphitheater under the global theme, "Sanitation in a Changing World: We'll Always Need Toilets," the event highlighted the critical intersection of technology, health, and human dignity.
Delivering the Keynote Address, the Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, Ms. Evelyn Mere, who was represented by Mr. Adebayo Aloa, painted a stark picture of the global and national sanitation crisis.
"Nigeria faces significant sanitation challenges, with 3.4 billion people lacking access to safe sanitation services," she stated.
She revealed that open defecation remains a major issue, with 17.96% of the population currently practicing it.
While acknowledging that the country has made some progress with 32.1% of the population having access to safely managed sanitation services, she noted that this figure remains below the regional average.
The Keynote Speaker emphasized the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to address Nigeria's sanitation challenges.
She listed necessary steps including strengthening institutional frameworks, ensuring sustainable funding, and promoting community-led initiatives.
"The government has launched initiatives like the Clean Nigeria campaign and the National Water and Sanitation Policy to address these challenges," she added.
Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of equity and inclusion, noting that sanitation facilities often exclude people with disabilities.
Calling for political leadership, she urged the development of policies that support sanitation development and ensure effective implementation of reforms.
Reinforcing the state government's commitment, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, Mr. Gonee Nwizuh, identified open defecation as a major threat to public health.
"Open defecation is a major sanitation challenge in Rivers State, contaminating water sources, spreading diseases, and compromising dignity," Mr. Nwizuh said.
He stressed the urgent need to address this issue, especially in coastal communities where the terrain makes it most prevalent.
He advocated for the adoption of modern solutions, stating, "Technologies like bio-digester toilets can help."
"We need innovations to contain feces and promote safe sanitation," he insisted.
Mr. Nwizuh assured stakeholders that the Rivers State government is committed to improving sanitation infrastructure and promoting community-led initiatives.
"Let's work together to eliminate open defecation and ensure safe, sustainable toilets for all," the Permanent Secretary urged.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Acting Director of CeWASS, Prof. Peter Cookey, set the tone for the technical discussions by focusing on terrain-specific challenges.
"The challenge is not just open defecation, but coastal communities' unique terrain forcing unsanitary practices," Prof. Cookey explained.
He championed the use of technology to turn waste into wealth.
"Technologies like bio-digester toilets can generate biogas and pump water, improving sanitation," he noted.
Prof. Cookey expressed excitement about ongoing collaborations, stating, "We're working with partners to implement solutions, including using thicker matter to generate energy and pump water."
Hosting the event, the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Blessing Jaja, welcomed the attendees.
He emphasized the importance of toilets in achieving hygiene security, particularly in rural areas.
The Vice Chancellor reiterated the university's commitment to addressing sanitation challenges through the establishment of the dedicated research centre.
He congratulated Prof. Cookey on his appointment and expressed confidence that CeWASS would drive the university's agenda on sanitation and hygiene effectively.
Providing a local government perspective, the Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Hon. Allwell Ihunda, represented by Deputy Mayor Hon. Mina Mildred Tom Queen, outlined city-wide efforts.
"The Port Harcourt Local Government recognizes the importance of clean water and sanitation hygiene for residents' health and urban development," she said.
She disclosed that the Council has built 36 toilets and is actively working to eliminate open defecation.
"We'll continue to promote safe hygiene practices and collaborate with stakeholders," the Deputy Mayor promised.
He stated that RIWAMA is committed to sustainable sanitation practices, focusing on channeling fecal matter to a central processing facility.
"The agency is reviving the Sewage Plant along Eagle Island Road to improve sewage disposal," Dr. Wokoma announced.
He noted that Governor Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, prioritizes a healthy environment and that the agency aims to adopt global best practices.
Offering a public health angle, Dr. Chiture Adiele, Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, represented by Dr. Frank ThankGod, delivered a distinguished lecture.
He spoke on "Integrating WASH into Primary Healthcare System in Rivers State."
Dr. Adiele highlighted that key challenges include inadequate water supply and poor sanitation facilities in healthcare settings.
"The Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board has conducted assessments showing significant gaps in WASH services, with 36.8% of households lacking access to improved sanitation facilities," he revealed.
He emphasized the interconnectedness of WASH, healthcare, and sustainable development.
Solidifying international support, the State Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), Prof. Giwa Abdulganiyu, represented by Dr. Deborah Akiola, commended the organizers.
"Safe sanitation is a fundamental human right, crucial for health, dignity, and development, and the first line of defense against diseases," the WHO representative stated.
She advocated for integrating WASH into primary healthcare and emphasized environmental surveillance to eliminate diseases like polio.
"The organization reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Rivers State government in bridging the sanitation gap," she added.
Also lending their voice, Mr. Samuel Ofor, President of the Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN), Rivers Chapter, pledged continued advocacy.
He promised to continue educating communities and markets on proper sanitation practices to build a cleaner future.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. B.S. Baranu, the Post Graduate Programme Coordinator.
Dr. Baranu expressed gratitude to the attendees, special guests, and lecturers for the successful celebration.
She announced plans for a bigger celebration next year and thanked the students and stakeholders for their contributions.
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