By Saeed Ahmad Bappah Gombe
Gombe State’s sanitation drive has received a major boost as the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS) inspects Nafada and Shongom Local Government Areas for a crucial second Open Defecation Free (ODF) validation.
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources recently dispatched a ten-man NTGS team, led by Mrs. Abosede Orimoleye, to Gombe State to conduct a rigorous second validation exercise.
The assessment is designed to measure the impact of sustained community sensitization and advocacy campaigns aimed at eliminating open defecation.
Declaring the official debriefing session open in Gombe, the General Manager and Project Coordinator of the Gombe State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Engr. Muhammad Gibirimu Ahmad, welcomed the federal delegation and lauded their commitment to public health.
“This visit is particularly significant as the team proceeds to Nafada and Shongom to evaluate our progress. It gives us a vital opportunity to measure compliance and identify any areas requiring attention before the final ODF declaration,” Engr. Ahmad stated.
He also credited the state’s WASH successes to the unwavering political will of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, adding that “We give full credit to His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his prompt approvals and consistent support, which continue to take Gombe’s water, sanitation, and hygiene programs to unprecedented heights.”
In her remarks, NTGS team leader Mrs. Abosede Orimoleye expressed profound satisfaction with the level of community mobilization and infrastructure development witnessed across Nafada and Shongom.
“We are deeply impressed with what we observed in both local government areas, placing their current level of achievement at approximately 90 to 95 per cent,” Orimoleye noted.
She emphasized that the second validation exercise is critical to ensuring that communities have not only adopted safe sanitation practices but possess the capacity to sustain them long-term.
Following the debriefing, the delegation toured various communities, inspected sanitation facilities, and interacted directly with local stakeholders.
Community and local government leaders echoed the sentiment of progress, pledging continued vigilance.
The Chairman of Pero Chonge LCDA, Honourable Professor Seni Barka, alongside a representative of the Nafada Local Government Chairman, praised RUWASSA’s relentless efforts and the visionary leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
They urged residents to remain vigilant and maintain high sanitation standards even after the official ODF declaration.
The assessment tour concluded with key RUWASSA officials accompanying the federal delegation, including the Assistant General Manager (LEAD WASH), Malam Yahaya Umaru Shabewa; the Administrative Officer, Adamu Abdulkadir Buji; and dedicated water quality personnel.