Pictures representing inspected toilets at Igbo-Etiti ODF Certification.
Enugu State Concludes ODF Certification in Igbo-Etiti LGA
By Esther Ikwunne
The Enugu State Task Group on Sanitation (STGS), with support from EN-RUWASSA, has completed the Open Defecation Free (ODF) certification across 244 communities in Igbo-Etiti LGA. Confident in a positive outcome, the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS) will be invited for final validation, advancing Enugu State’s goal of achieving ODF status by December 2025.
The exercise which began with a desk review at the Igbo-Etiti LGA headquarters in Ogbede, involved the LGA WASH Department and the UNICEF State WASH Facilitator. Seventeen STGS members drawn from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies were organized into teams, each led by a WASH officer, to conduct thorough sanitation inspections across communities, institutions, and public spaces.
Hon. Chika Mbah, Managing Director of EN-RUWASSA, commended the team for their dedication and delegated the Technical Assistant on WASH, Mrs. Chioma Dick -Emmanuel, to oversee the fieldwork. At the close of the exercise, Hon. Mbah expressed gratitude to the STGS, appreciating UNICEF for their continued support, while reiterating Enugu State’s commitment to being declared Open Defecation Free by the end of 2025.
On his part, Dr. Eric Odo, Executive Chairman of Igbo-Etiti LGA, who warmly welcomed the team and assured them of full cooperation from local communities, also applauded their steadfast commitment throughout the process and expressed satisfaction at the end of the exercise.
The exercise covered numerous communities, including Umudim, Obeke, Amadule, Umudimelechi, Ofiri, Ndiagu, Isiofia, Uwani, Aworo, Uwelle-Ezi, Ndiodeke-Amanefi, Amegede, Uwani- Umueze,Amoji, Amadibigwe, Ubeagu, Umuchime, Ejuona Settlement, Obom Agu, Amofu-Achara, Akwashi, Amadi Effior, Ezioshigo, Agu Umunko, Omashi, among others. Inspections spanned households, institutions, markets, health centers, bushes, and former open defecation sites, concluding with a stakeholder closing session.
UNICEF State WASH Facilitator, Mrs. Cecelia Imadu, lauded the cooperative efforts of EN-RUWASSA and STGS, and pledged continued UNICEF support. Similarly, HOD WASH, Mrs. Ezeme Mercy, and SSA I on WASH, Mr. Fidelis Ikeoha, also expressed their appreciation. Representing STGS, Dr. Chukwudi Mmadu , the Deputy Coordinator, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nnamani, and Mr. Ukwu Daniel extended gratitude to Hon. Mbah, Dr. Odo, and the people of Igbo-Etiti for their collaborations. This successful certification marks a significant milestone, as Igbo-Etiti becomes the first LGA in Enugu State to undergo ODF certification, setting a precedent for others.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
