Governor Seyi Makinde Prohibits Open Defecation Henceforth – Oyo State

The Oyo State Government has come out to vow to deal decisively with individuals who defecate in the open and indiscriminately dump refuse.

The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade recently had his say while speaking to the press, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to him, there is a move to penalize open defecators and indiscriminate dumping of refuse henceforth, and it is part of efforts aimed at achieving the national target of ending open defecation in Nigeria by 2027.

He added that Governor Seyi Makinde has mandated the Ministry of Justice to ensure the prosecution of anyone who dumps refuses or defecates openly from now on.

His words, “The state Governor, Seyi Makinde, has unequivocally mandated the Ministry of Justice to ensure the prosecution of anyone who dumps, refuses or defecates openly. The penalty, when fully in place, would promote behavioural change in the hygiene of citizens and curb open defecation.

The government is willing to effect the necessary behavioural change in open defecation, working with UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene action plan. In this state, we have adopted the WASH action plan; if need be, we will back it up with legislation.

And the Ministry of Justice has been mandated to penalise defecators and those dumping refuse in illegal sites. Also, law enforcement agencies will do their bit. It is sad that Nigeria has taken over from Egypt by recording the highest rate of open defecation. And the government will deal decisively with open defecators.”