Ikenne: The Federal Government has commended Ikenne Local Government Area (LGA) in Ogun state for achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, calling it a milestone for public health and community wellbeing. At the formal celebration in Ikenne on Tuesday, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, acknowledged the importance of the achievement in improving the lives of women and children. According to News Agency of Nigeria, Utsev, who was represented by Mr Ibiyemi Olu-Daniels, a Director in the ministry, referenced the 'Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet' campaign, aiming to end open defecation by 2025. He highlighted that 135 LGAs had now reached ODF status and urged the state to continue its efforts to achieve ODF status across the board. He emphasized the need for collaboration across sectors to ensure universal access to sanitation and hygiene and encouraged sustained efforts in the state to advance Nigeria's development goals. Ogun First Lady, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, addressed the econo mic benefits of achieving ODF status and ongoing initiatives to address sanitation issues. Abiodun stressed the importance of teaching children hygiene practices, such as handwashing, and noted that only 135 out of 774 local governments in Nigeria had attained ODF status. She acknowledged the success of community-led sanitation efforts, supported by the state government and UNICEF, which led to 171 communities being declared ODF-free. She commended local government leaders and stakeholders for their contributions and called for continued innovation and collaboration to sustain progress. Mr Sola Ogunbo, Programme Manager of the Ogun State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSAN), praised the advancements in public health and environmental sustainability within the council. He revealed significant improvements in residents' quality of life due to initiatives aimed at eliminating open defecation and promoting access to sanitation facilities. Ogunbo revealed that over 171 communities in Ikenne were no w free from open defecation, leading to a substantial decline in such practices. He also noted improvements in health outcomes, with malaria nearly eliminated and a decrease in other diseases, including neglected tropical diseases. Citing World Health Organisation statistics, Ogunbo said that every dollar invested in sanitation yielded a 1.50 dollars return, noting the importance of ongoing investment in sanitation infrastructure. He called for continued support from development partners and encouraged investors to include sanitation facilities in their plans. Ogunbo acknowledged the David Alaba Foundation for its 10 thousand dollars donation to construct ten biodegradable toilet facilities in Kara Market, Ogere. According to him, such support is essential for sustaining public health and sanitation progress in Ikenne. Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives from UNICEF, Satopan Lixil Technologies, and the Commissioners of Environment and Rural Development, as well as traditional rulers. The eve nt culminated in the formal presentation of a certificate, plaque, and flag to the First Lady and state representatives.