Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom says his administration is partnering with the Blueway Ocean Foundation in the campaign to end open defecation in the state.
Eno, represented by Mr Ubuo Ubuo, the State Commissioner for Water and Sanitation, stated this while inaugurating the Water and Sanitation facility at Community Comprehensive Secondary School, at Ikot Ekpene Udo in Nsit Ubium on Thursday.
Ubuo commended Blue Way Ocean Foundation for promoting a healthy and hygienic environment.
“I am announcing the Foundation as an official partner of the Akwa Ibom campaign to end open defecation in the state,” Eno said.
The governor said the project was intended to improve students’ health and hygiene.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Foundation built and handed over a newly- constructed six-compartment water system toilet and borehole facility to the school.
He also highlights the state government’s ARISE GIFA partnership, which aims to deliver water projects across the 369 wards in Akwa Ibom.
He urged other corporate organisations and companies to support similar initiatives as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
As an incentive for promoting personal hygiene, the governor announced an annual award for the “Most Hygienic Student” and the “Sanitary Prefect” in the school.
In his remarks, Mr Iniodu Ndada, the Foundation’s CEO and Managing Director, reaffirmed the Foundation’s vision of continued service to humanity.
He emphasised that the government cannot do everything alone and enjoined individuals, corporate bodies, and stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to public welfare.
He thanked God for the successful event and stated that the project was conceived to support the state government’s ARISE Agenda.
Also speaking, Mr Rehoboth Eno, Board of Trustees (BOT), and chairman of Blue Way Ocean Foundation, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to executing more impactful projects for the community and the state.
Eno thanked the school management and students for their gratitude.
Earlier, the school’s Principal, Mrs Helen Ekong, expressed appreciation for the foundation’s support and highlighted the difficulty students previously faced in accessing hygienic toilet facilities.
Ekong recounted an incident where a snake was killed in the old facility and praised the foundation for providing a safer alternative that would benefit the school in many ways.
She also assured that the school would ensure the proper maintenance and safety of the new facility.
Similarly, the Village Head of Ikot Ekpene Udo, Eteidung Johnson Udousoro, thanked the foundation for the life-changing initiative and assured the team of the community’s commitment to protecting and maintaining the facility for the benefit of students and staff.
By Dianabasi Effiong
