Yemi Obafemi
As World Toilet Day celebration is marked globally, experts are sounding the alarm on the dangers of dirty toilets and poor hygiene practices.
They made the disclosure at a World Toilet Day Celebration organised by Health Communication and Visibility in partnership with Bam Environmental Consultancy Limited and Newsbalance Media and Communication.
The sensitization program was done at Junior Secondary school, Dutse, Abuja.
Speaking at the event , the Program Director of Health Communication and Visibility, Bukola Afeni urged the students to maintain high level of hygiene when using toilet both within and outside the school premises.
She emphasized the importance of adopting good hygiene habits, particularly in schools and public places. “Dirty toilets contribute to unsanitary conditions that can lead to the spread of infections, skin irritations, and respiratory issues,” she warned.
According to her, poor sanitation poses a significant risk to public health.
‘Without proper cleaning, dirty toilets are breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens.
We need to maintain high level of hygiene to safeguard our health”, she said.
The Communication expert noted that the World Toilet Day event is aimed at raising awareness about the importance of sanitation and hygiene, and to promote collective action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 6: clean water and sanitation for all
Afeni urged students to become sanitation champions, spreading awareness and inspiring change in their communities. “As sanitation champions, students have the power to spread awareness and inspire change in their communities,” she said.
The Director, Bam Environmental Consultancy Limited, Bolutife Bamgbowu, called on schools, communities, and government to prioritize sanitation and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of diseases.
He emphasized the need for schools to provide adequate sanitation facilities, including functional toilets and handwashing stations with soap and water.
“As an environmental expert , I strongly advise schools to prioritize the provision of adequate sanitation facilities, including functional toilets and handwashing stations with soap and water,” he said.
Bamgbowu noted that incorporating hygiene education into school curricula would empower students with the knowledge and skills to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
“Schools should also incorporate hygiene education into their curriculum, teaching students the importance of proper handwashing, toilet hygiene, and waste management,” he said.
He called on the Nigerian government to prioritize sanitation infrastructure development, particularly in rural areas, where access to improved sanitation facilities is limited.
“The Nigerian government should prioritize sanitation infrastructure development, particularly in rural areas, where access to improved sanitation facilities is limited”.
The expert also called on organizations to join forces with government, schools, and communities to prioritize sanitation and hygiene.
“I urge organizations to join forces with government, schools, and communities to prioritize sanitation and hygiene,” he said
