In observance of the 2024 Global Handwashing Day, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Benue State government, through the Benue State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (BERWASSA), have taken a significant step to support vulnerable communities by donating hygiene kits to 100 households at the Ichwa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Makurdi. This initiative underscores the ongoing efforts to improve hygiene practices among the displaced population.
Additionally, the Benue State government announced a release of ₦700 million aimed at enhancing Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities across the state. The Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, Mr. Odoh Ugwu, made this announcement during the Global Handwashing Day celebration at the Ichwa IDP Camp.
Mr. Ugwu emphasized that this initiative aligns with the global target of ensuring access to hand hygiene for all by 2030. He highlighted the pressing need for improved hygiene practices in Nigeria, noting that many residents, particularly in Benue State, lack access to soap and running water. Current data reveals that only five percent of households in the state have a designated area for handwashing with soap and running water.
In his speech, Mr. Ugwu urged community stakeholders, including traditional rulers, to enhance efforts in increasing access to safe water and sanitation. This initiative aims to mitigate disease transmission and foster a safer living environment. He expressed gratitude to Governor Alia for his commitment to the WASH sector and recognized UNICEF, BERWASSA, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the State Emergency Management Agency for their collaboration in organizing the event.
Mr. Tony Mkpen, General Manager of BERWASSA, explained that the decision to hold the event at the IDP camp was prompted by the poor living conditions and the necessity for residents to adopt better hygiene practices. He pointed out that the day serves as a reminder of the significance of handwashing, especially in environments where sanitary conditions are lacking.
“We celebrated Global Handwashing Day with the IDPs to promote hygienic practices, which are essential in reducing illness,” Mkpen stated. He further remarked on the importance of the campaign, noting that BERWASSA has been actively engaged in promoting water sanitation and hygiene practices in local communities, contributing to the state achieving the status of 11 local governments being Open Defecation Free (ODF).
Mkpen urged the people of Benue to embrace toilet ownership and proper handwashing practices to combat open defecation, which contributes to numerous health issues. “Open defecation contaminates water sources, which leads to health problems. We need to cultivate the habit of using toilets and washing hands afterward,” he stressed.
The Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, participated in the event by donating cartons of soap to the IDPs. She, along with Scholastica Lan, PRO of the Benue NGO Network (BENGONET), encouraged community members to prioritize handwashing to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
The camp manager, Jennifer Vangeryina, expressed her gratitude to BERWASSA and UNICEF for their support and for celebrating Global Handwashing Day with the IDPs. The event included a handwashing demonstration by the Commissioner, along with a tap production competition for children from local schools. Participants, including students Azahan Godwin and Jato Cynthia, received prizes such as school bags and water bottles, acknowledging their involvement and reinforcing the importance of hygiene practices.
This initiative highlights the commitment of both UNICEF and the Benue State government to improve the lives of IDPs while fostering a culture of hygiene and health in the region.
