Oyo State Commissions Mobile Toilet, Clean and Green School Clubs To Promote Environmental Hygiene

The Oyo state government, via the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has inaugurated 50 mobile toilet units on Wednesday as measures to combat the threat of open defecation in the state.

The toilets, according to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources are a pilot scheme targeted at markets, motor parks, garages, and other public places which lack toilet facilities.

At the launching ceremony, the state also launched Clean and Green clubs at numerous schools within the state to promote healthy living and diminish deforestation.

The mobile toilets initiative is a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) with Manasseh Engineering, waste management experts who will manage the deployment of the mobile toilets to areas that need them the most.

Dr Abdulateef Oyeleke, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, mentioned that the mobile toilets would assist in eradicating open defecation, which he described as a big challenge in the state.

Oyeleke in his speech said that some people defecate indiscriminately in society despite its health and environmental implications to society.

He said “In an attempt to mitigate the health challenges associated with it, the government has partnered with Manasseh 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 will be minimal.”

The Commissioner pledged that the ministry would always monitor the sanitary condition of the facilities and urged residents of the state to utilize the toilets, adding that more will be deployed soon.

Mrs Oluwabamiwo Adeosun, Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG), who officially commissioned the facility and the Green and Clean club, said that a clean atmosphere promotes healthy living.

She advised the club’s members to look after the trees that had been planted in their various schools to make the environment greener, healthier, and more conducive for learning.

Adeosun underlined the importance of preserving the environment for future generations, emphasizing that a clean environment aids pupils clarity of thinking and urged them to continue the habit of planting trees to prevent deforestation.

Adeosun also stated that Oyo state’s fight against open defecation must be retained, because it is proper to use a clean toilet.

Mr Gbenjo Abimbola, the Operation Manager of Manasseh, said the company partnered up with the Oyo State government to eliminate open defecation in Oyo State.

Abimbola stated that the 50 mobile toilets deployed were only the beginning and that more would be sent to other sections of the state soon.

Commissioners, students, workers, health officers, and other important stakeholders attended the event, which was hosted at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.