The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has renewed its campaign against open defecation in Akwa Ibom State, urging residents to adopt proper sanitation practices to safeguard public health.
The State Director of NOA, Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, made the call during a media engagement with journalists yesterday, where he expressed concern over the continued prevalence of open defecation across communities in the state.
He warned that the practice poses serious health, environmental, and social risks, exposing residents to preventable diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea, particularly among children and the elderly.
“The health and well-being of our people are paramount. Open defecation exposes our communities to preventable diseases,” he said, stressing the need for urgent and collective action.
Mr Mkpoutom emphasised that ending open defecation is not solely the responsibility of the government but a civic duty requiring the participation of all residents. He encouraged households to construct and consistently use toilets while calling for sustained behavioural change through education and awareness campaigns.
The NOA director also highlighted the economic benefits of improved sanitation, noting that healthier communities are more productive and attractive to development initiatives.
“When we prioritise sanitation, we invest in our future. Let us take pride in our environment and protect it for generations to come,” he added.
The campaign aligns with broader state efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all.
Mr. Mkpoutom assured residents that the agency would continue to support hygiene education, promote toilet construction, and drive community-led sanitation initiatives across the state.
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