The National Task Group on Sanitation has validated Katsina as second Open Defecation Free (ODF) state in Nigeria.

The Chief, United Nations Children Funds (UNICEF) Kano Field Office, Rahama Farah, made this known in Kano on Monday, during a two-day workshop organised for Katsina Council Chairmen.

Mr Farah lauded the state for achieving the status.

The workshop titled, ‘Reducing Child Poverty through Social Protection, Using Data for Transformative Evidence-Based Governance,’ was organised through the state’s Bureau of Statistics.

Jigawa, was the first state to be declared ODF in October 22, 2022, by the NTGS.

Mr Farah stated, “Let me take this opportunity to congratulate Katsina State on just becoming the second state in Nigeria to attain the status of open defecation free (ODF). We in UNICEF, are proud that now two of our three states under the Field office, Jigawa and Katsina, are leading the nation towards the path of ODF. We now need to make sure this remarkable achievement is sustained with additional efforts, resources, policies and strategies that will ensure Katsina remains ODF.”

According to him, the chairmen of the 34 local government areas are at the forefront and accountable that the great result for the state is sustainable.

Mr Farah added, “On behalf of UNICEF, I thank you for your leadership, your partnership and your dedication to the children of Katsina. May this workshop be not just another meeting, but a turning point for all of us to take action and be accountable for improving the lives of children in Katsina.”

This achievement is part of the national “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign,” which aims to end open defecation across the entire country by 2025.

As of late October, the total number of ODF LGAs in Nigeria reached 158.

(NAN)