The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tommy Coker has facilitated and commissioned twin-toilet facility for the Ikeye people of Gbagura in Abeokuta North Local Government of the state, with call on residents to do all within their means to fight open defecation.
Penpushing reports that the project was the brain child of Coker alongside her classmates in the School of Policy, Politics and Governance (SPPG),noting that open defecation has over the years given rise to cases of diarrhoea, cholera, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and other public health ailments in communities thereby resulting in avoidable death.
The Commissioner pointed out that open defecation has become a menace which every inhabitant in the country should strive against, adding that many children and pregnant women have been sent to early grave as a result of its consequences.
Penpushing further reports that the donated toilet has two chambers, pumping machine and water sources to ensure hygienic usage of the facility and promote hand washing among it beneficiaries in the community.
The Health Commissioner noted that Abeokuta North is prominent for open defecation in the country, hence the reason for her decision with about seven of her coursemates from Public Health Sector in different parts of the world to erect the facility within the Ikeye locality.
“This toilet is not for decoration. It is for the benefits of the people of this community and you are to take ownership of it with all sense of responsibility. With this donated toilet, we envisage a reduction in cases of diarrhoea, maternal and infant mortality in this locality. We expect you to wash your hands after defecation by making use of soap and running tap water,” she said.
Penpushing also reports that Coker noted that the essence of human existence is to impact lives and without greed and selfishness, just as she admonished well-meaning individuals to take a cue from the group of students.
The Commissioner while speaking further at the commissioning told the residents of the community that the toilet is not for decoration pointing out that they should take full ownership of it with all sense of responsibility.
Penpushing reports that, in his remarks, the Balogun Ijaye Kukudi, Chief Rasak Obe, who represented the Agura of Gbagura, expressed the royal father’s profound gratitude to the donors and prayed to God to grant their desires as well.
The Chairman, Community Development Council, Irewolede Area, Mr. AbdulFatai in his acceptance speech, appreciated the timely donation and assured that residents will not fail to ensure the proper use of the toilet.
Penpushing further reports that in attendance at the commissioning include Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Kayode Oladehinde, Director of Public Health, Dr. Festus Soyinka, Coordinator, Neglected Tropical Diseases, Dr. Islamiyat Soneye, Medical Officer of Health in charge of Abeokuta North, Dr. Oladipupo Afonja, and other top officials of the Ministry of Health
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