UNICEF declares more communities in Cross River open defecation-free

United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has declared more communities in Boki Council Area of Cross River State Open Defecation Free (ODF).

Secretary to the State Government, Tina Agbor, who was represented by the Director of Administration, Governor’s Office, Bassey Esege, disclosed this yesterday in Calabar at a media briefing organised by the state Ministry of Water Resources.

She said the state government has invested so much in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector, which has helped to end open defecation in most communities of the state.

Declaring Boki as open defecation free, Permanent Secretary, state’s Ministry of Water Resources, Dr. Fidelis Anukwa enjoined the people of the state to collaborate with development partners to ensure that the entire state remains defecation free.

He expressed gratitude for the technical support from UNICEF and other development partners, including staff of the Ministry of Water Resources, RUWATSSA, Boki WASH unit, the traditional and community leaders of the area.

Responding, Paramount Ruler of Boki, HRM Ata-Otu Fredaline E. Akando commended UNICEF and other partners for the feat, saying he will ensure that the communities maintain the status.