We Will Prosecute Perpetrators Of Open Defecation – Oyo Govt

The Oyo State Ministry of Justice has been mandated by the state Governor, Seyi Makinde to prosecute perpetrators of open defecation in the state.

This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade during a media dialogue in Ibadan, organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) with the theme “Eliminating Open Defecation in South West”.

He said the directive is against the backdrop of the rampant open defecation practice in the state and that his ministry is intensifying efforts on public enlightenment to sensitise residents to desist from open defecation practice.

Oyelade said “Oyo state is ready to end the menace of open defecation in our state with the support of UNICEF. The governor has mandated that billboards with messages warning and discouraging people from open defecation practices and the penalties for perpetrators should be in strategic places across the state.

“The State Ministry of Justice has been mandated by Governor Seyi Makinde to ensure that those who perpetrate open defecation practice in Oyo State are brought to book. They would be charged and brought to book. These are some of the steps we are taking to ensure that our collaboration with UNICEF is brought to fruition.”

Meanwhile, as Nigeria overtakes India to become number one in the world in terms of open defecation practice, UNICEF called on the government at all levels in the country to take practical and pragmatic steps to end open defecation.

UNICEF Water Sanitation and Hygiene Specialist, Monday Johnson called on governors of other South West states to put measures in place to end open defecation in their respective states.