By: Mukhtar Yahaya Shehu
Kano State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Tajo Othman, has announced a major initiative to utilise the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) framework to combat environmental degradation and improve public health across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state. The initiative also aims to revive house-to-house inspection, a crucial aspect of ensuring compliance with environmental and health regulations.
The Commissioner announced during a meeting with the Forum of 44 Local Government Heads of Department for Water, Environment, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WESH), where an Award of Excellence was presented to the Commissioner, Permanent Secretary, and Directors of the Ministry in recognition of their outstanding support to the development and upliftment of WESH across the 44 LGAs, particularly in terms of capacity building.
In a statement signed by public relations officer state ministry for local government Aminu Bello Sani said Alhaji Mohammed Tajo Othman commended Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for his visionary leadership and commitment to making the WESH department a key player in promoting public health and environmental sustainability.
He stated that the Governor’s leadership has been instrumental in driving the state’s development agenda. The Governor’s directives for the construction of public toilets and boreholes across the state in densely populated areas and schools are expected to significantly improve sanitation and access to clean water and curtail the spread of communicable diseases in the state.
The Commissioner highlighted that Kano State has recently gained the first position in Nigeria in the control of Open Defecation, a testament to the state’s commitment to improving sanitation and hygiene. He attributed this achievement to the Governor’s leadership and the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, and expressed pride in the state’s recognition for this achievement.
Mohammed Tajo urged the HODs to work together with the Ministry of Environment and Rural Development to ensure the successful implementation of the program. Emphasised the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving the state’s development goals.
The Permanent Secretary, Hajiya Fatima Adamu Barde, thanked the forum for their concern and pledged to continue supporting the department’s efforts. She charged the forum to be vigilant and report any circumstances that hinder the well-being and social livelihood of people at the grassroots.
The Chairman of the Forum of 44 Local Government HODs of WESH, Malam Sani Panda, expressed gratitude to the Commissioner and the state government for the recognition and support, pledging to continue working diligently to promote environmental sustainability and public health across the state.
