In a strategic step towards promoting public health and environmental sanitation, the Executive Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area, Aka Eze Aka, has launched a collaborative campaign to eliminate open defecation in the Area by October 2025. This bold initiative is in partnership with the Adda United Brothers Social Club of Nigeria (AUBSCN), marking a significant voluntary private-public sector synergy aimed at achieving the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) goals in the area.
The partnership was solidified on April 7, 2025, when a delegation of AUBSCN led by its National President, Nurse Chijioke O. Nwodoh, Ph.D., paid an advocacy visit to the Udenu LGA Chairman at his Office in Obollo-Afor. During the meeting, the Club pledged its full support for the Chairman’s policy thrust, particularly in water sanitation, as part of efforts to replicate the Enugu State Government’s WASH agenda under Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah across all wards of Udenu.
Nurse Chijioke Nwodo Ph.D (National President of AUBSCN) making his presentation to the Chairman during the visit
“We are inspired by the Chairman’s passion and proactive approach toward grassroots development. The fight against open defecation is not just a health issue but a dignity issue, especially for our women and children,” Dr. Nwodoh stated during the visit.
In response, Aka Eze Aka appreciated the Club’s commitment and emphasized the need for community-led ownership of public health initiatives. He reiterated his administration’s resolve to align with Governor Mbah’s state-wide WASH blueprint and declared that the anti-open defecation policy is a top priority of his administration.
Udenu Mayor, Aka Eze Aka demonstrating safe routine hand washing technique during the International Handwashing Day 2024, organized by Udenu WASH Committee
Already, construction of public toilets and modern lavatory facilities is due to commence in major markets and public spaces across Udenu LGA. This infrastructural intervention is anchored on the Anti-Open Defecation Law passed by the immediate past Legislative Council, underlining the legal framework backing the initiative.
Barr. Dominic Obetta, Coordinator of WASH Program for Udenu LGA, who co-signed the campaign flyer with the AUBSCN President, underscored the health dangers of open defecation. “We are dealing with a dangerous practice that causes waterborne and parasitic diseases such as cholera, typhoid, hookworm, dysentery, and gastroenteritis. It also leads to soil and water pollution, air contamination, and severe economic consequences,” he said.
Barr. Dominic Obetta (Udenu WASH Coordinator) demonstrating safe routine hand washing technique during the occasion of International Day for regular Handwashing 2024
The awareness campaign, tagged “Operation Say No to Open Defecation in Udenu,” is designed to sensitize residents on the dangers of open defecation and promote the use of safe, sanitary toilet facilities. The flyer, distributed throughout the LGA, highlights the key consequences of open defecation, including:
— Spread of waterborne and parasitic diseases
— Water and soil pollution
— Harmful air emissions
— Economic and productivity loss
— Stigmatization, especially for women and girls
— Erosion of personal dignity
The campaign has been met with enthusiastic support from Community Leaders, market women, Youth groups, and Local institutions who see it as a timely intervention to improve public hygiene and restore communal pride.
Udenu LGA is now poised to become a model of local government responsiveness and citizen-driven health reform, with an ambitious target of declaring the area open defecation-free by the last quarter of 2025.
A copy of the Anti-open defecation campaign flyer designed by AUBSCN in support of Aka Eze Aka’s administration policy
As more stakeholders lend their voices to the cause, Aka Eze Aka continues to rally support for grassroots health initiatives that reinforce his administration’s commitment to sustainable development, echoing the broader vision of a healthier, cleaner Enugu State under the WASH program. And with AUBSCN making good their promises, the project is already generating positive tractions.
