Nafada and Shongom Local Government Areas of Gombe State have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) following their successful validation by the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS).
The declaration followed a recent validation exercise conducted by the NTGS in the two Local Government Areas to ascertain their ODF status and assess the sustainability of sanitation and hygiene practices within the communities.
At its 9th meeting held at the Conference Hall of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the National Task Group on Sanitation formally declared Nafada and Shongom LGAs of Gombe State Open Defecation Free.
The two Gombe LGAs were declared ODF alongside Maiyama LGA of Kebbi State, as well as Misau and Jama’are LGAs of Bauchi State, bringing the total number of ODF Local Government Areas in Nigeria to 184.
Reacting to the development, the General Manager of the Gombe State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Engr. Mohammed Ahmed Gibrimu, described the declaration as a historic achievement and a significant milestone in the state’s sanitation drive.
Engr. Gibrimu dedicated the achievement to the Executive Governor of Gombe State, His Excellency Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for his commitment and support towards improving environmental sanitation, water supply, sanitation and hygiene across the state.
The General Manager also expressed appreciation to all stakeholders, RUWASSA staff, traditional and community leaders, development partners, and members of the public who contributed to the successful ODF process.
He congratulated the people and leadership of Nafada and Shongom LGAs for attaining the ODF status, urging them to sustain the achievement and continue promoting good sanitation and hygiene practices to prevent a reversal of the gains recorded.