Open Defecation: Oyo Launches Free Mobile Toilets for Public Spaces

By Olubunmi Osoteku, Ibadan

Last updated Jun 10, 2021

As part of measures to address the menace of open defecation in the state, the Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Nature Resources, launched 50 units of mobile toilets to be distributed to strategic places across the state.
The launch, which took place on Wednesday, is the pilot scheme in the effort to target markets, motor parks and garages, among other public places which lack toilet facilities.
Also at the event, the state inaugurated the Clean and Green clubs in some selected schools across the state, to improve healthy living and curb deforestation.
The mobile toilets were launched as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with Manaseh Company, which would be in charge of the deployment of the facilities.
Flagging off the facility and the Green and Clean Club, the Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG), Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, said a clean environment promotes healthy living.
She called on the students in the club to take good care of the trees planted in their various schools in order to make the environment green, healthier and fit for learning.
Adeosun warned that the environment must be preserved for the next generation, noting that a clean environment makes students to think well and urged them to continue planting trees to curb deforestation.
Adeosun noted that the ranking of Oyo State high in eradicating open defecation must be sustained, saying that it is proper to use clean toilet.
The state Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr Abdulateef Oyeleke, disclosed that the deployment of the mobile toilets would help to eradicate open defecation, which he described as a major concern to the state.
Oyeleke noted that some people defecate indiscriminately in the society despite it’s health and environmental implications to the enlarged society.
He stated “In an attempt to mitigate the health challenges associated with it, government has partnered with Manaseh Company to acquire these 50 mobile toilets that will be distributed to identified areas. It is not going to be free for deployment but the amount to be charged for the use will be minimal.”
Oyeleke gave assurance that the ministry would continiously monitor the hygienic situation of the facilities and urged the people of the state to utilise the toilet wisely, explaining that more of it would soon be deployed.
The Operations Manager of Manaseh Company, Mr Gbenjo Abimbola, explained that the company embarked on the partnership with the aim of eradicating open defecation in Oyo State.
Abimbola said that the 50 units of mobile toilets deployed was a start-off, saying more would soon be deployed to other parts of the state.
The event which was held at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources premises was attended by commissioners, students, workers and health officers, among other relevant stakeholders.
Lateefah Ibrahim