Wife of the Osun state Governor, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola has called on the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Producers Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) to join efforts at putting an end to open defecation.
Mrs Oyetola stated this while presenting a paper at the 4th National Conference of TAMPAN held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Speaking on the theme of the conference: “Ending Open Defecation Practices in Nigeria: The Role of Entertainers,” the first lady described open defecation as an age long practice that occurs on the fields, shrubs, backyard of houses, forest and other places other than clean toilet or latrines.
He said the dirty act has become so convenient for people in the nooks and crannies of the country.
Wife of the Governor who spoke through the honourable member representing Ifelodun State Constituency Hon. Mulikat Jimoh, urged the entertainers to also intensify campaigns against open defecation.
Mrs Oyetola stressed that according to the data contained in the National Road Map, some states show higher than the national average 37% with regard to open defecation practices are Ekiti, Plateau, Oyo, Cross River, Benue, Taraba, Nassarawa, Kwara, Enugu, Ondo, Osun and Kebbi States among others.
She added that in South West Zone, most of the states do not stand on very solid ground of hygiene and sanitation.
Mrs Oyetola who quoted from the world bank report stated that not less than 260 billion dollars is lost annually due to ill-health and loss of production of productive time arising from poor sanitation, in which Nigeria has lost N455 billion according to studies report.
The wife of the Governor emphasised that as entertainers, stopping open defecation is a challenge which can only be accomplished by their involvement and dedication.
Mrs Oyetola urged all members of TAMPAN to take the awareness campaign to their various States, local governments, religious houses among professional colleagues,school , markets and various social platforms which will go a long way in tackling the menace.
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