The Oyo State Government in collaboration with the United Nations’ Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commissioned newly completed solar-powered boreholes and toilet facilities at Egbeda, Ona Ara, and Ibarapa East Local Government Areas of Oyo State to improve sanitation and hygiene.
While commissioning the projects, the Chairman, Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Alhaji Babalola Afobaje, emphasized the importance of the projects in advancing the health and socioeconomic well-being of rural dwellers.
He said his agency and UNICEF are committed to expanding access to clean water and improving sanitation infrastructure in rural and peri-urban communities.
Afobaje explained that the facilities were constructed under a joint initiative by the Oyo State Government and UNICEF, aimed at delivering sustainable and inclusive water and sanitation services.
Alhaji Afobaje reiterated that the commissioning is just one milestone in an ongoing effort to expand water and sanitation services across all 33 local government areas of the state.
He added that the solar-powered boreholes are designed to provide safe and clean drinking water to thousands of residents, while the gender-sensitive toilet facilities promote hygiene, dignity, and public health in the beneficiary communities.
The Chairman noted that access to clean water and adequate sanitation is not only a basic human right but also a cornerstone of sustainable development- particularly in underserved areas where such amenities are lacking.
He said, “This symbolic commissioning represents our government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every citizen of Oyo State, regardless of location, has access to basic services like clean water and proper sanitation. These solar-powered boreholes and toilets are sustainable, environmentally friendly, and community-focused. We are not only solving today’s problems but building a healthier future.”
In his remarks, the General Manager, Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Mr. Adeniyi Adeduntan, stated that the event marks a significant milestone in the collective efforts to improve access to clean water and sanitation across Oyo State.
He said the projects, undertaken by OYORUWASSA and UNICEF, are designed to directly address the pressing needs of rural communities and improve public health outcomes.
“The solar-powered boreholes will provide reliable and sustainable access to safe drinking water, while the toilet facilities are part of our broader campaign to promote hygiene and end open defecation”, he said.
“Today’s commissioning is not just a celebration of infrastructure but a reaffirmation of our commitment to equity, dignity, and sustainable development for all. Let us continue to work hand in hand to ensure that the gains made here are preserved, maintained, and scaled across other communities in the state. Thank you all for being a part of this transformative journey.”
In his contribution, the UNICEF Consultant, Mr. Orimoloye Emmanuel, commended the agency’s ongoing efforts and collaboration with international partners, especially in enhancing access to safe water and promoting hygiene behavior change at the grassroots level.
His words, “The achievements we are witnessing today are a result of strong partnerships, dedicated leadership, and community involvement,” the consultant stated. “Oyo State is steadily becoming a model for integrated WASH interventions in Nigeria.”
Orimoloye emphasized the need for sustained political will and community ownership to maintain and scale the gains made.
He urged local governments, traditional leaders, and civil society to prioritize long-term investments in WASH infrastructure and monitoring systems. “To ensure lasting impact, we must go beyond installations, we must foster a culture of maintenance, education, and inclusivity,” He added.
Community leaders, traditional rulers, and local government officials who attended the events expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government, OYORUWASSA, and UNICEF for the intervention.
They noted that the facilities would significantly reduce the burden of water scarcity and improve hygiene standards, particularly for women and children who are most affected by inadequate infrastructure.
They promised to take ownership of the facilities, ensure proper maintenance, and uphold hygienic practices.
Across the three local government areas, ten solar powered boreholes and eleven toilet facilities were commissioned.