At the heart of this campaign was an event held in the spirited community of Piwoyi, nestled in the Federal Capital Territory. The air was filled with determination as Mahmud Kambari, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, delivered a stirring address, emphasizing that the battle against cholera starts with each individual’s commitment to cleanliness.
Represented by the dynamic Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Olubunmi Olusanya, Kambari highlighted the significance of the annual National Environmental Sanitation Day, celebrated on June 28. “This day is not just a date on the calendar,” Olusanya declared, “It is a clarion call to our collective conscience to prioritize cleanliness and hygiene. Our lives depend on it.”
Heroes of Hygiene
Kambari’s message was clear and urgent: cholera, a ruthless enemy, thrives on poor sanitation and contaminated water. But, as any great story has taught us, every villain can be vanquished by heroes. And in this narrative, those heroes are the Nigerian people. By adopting simple yet powerful habits like washing hands before meals and ensuring food is thoroughly cooked, every citizen can strike a blow against cholera.
“Open defecation is a primary villain in our tale,” Kambari warned, “and it’s time we defeat it by building and using toilets.” His words were a rallying cry, urging landlords to ensure their buildings are equipped with adequate sanitation facilities.
Champions of Change
The event also featured a cast of champions from various organizations, each playing their part in this grand narrative. Dr. Edwin Edeh from the World Health Organisation took the stage, urging landlords to build toilets and promoting regular handwashing as a simple yet effective weapon against disease.
Jonathan Duku from Breakthrough Action Nigeria painted a vivid picture of a future free from not only cholera but also Lassa fever. “Imagine a world where clean environments are the norm, where diseases have no place to hide,” he envisioned. “This is the future we can build, one clean space at a time.”
A Community United
Lazarus Bahago, the esteemed Etsu of Piwoyi, stood as a beacon of hope and gratitude. He lauded the government and its partners for their tireless efforts and pledged to mobilize his community in this crucial fight. “We will rise to this challenge,” Bahago promised. “Together, we will make Piwoyi a shining example of hygiene and health.”
A Brighter Tomorrow
As the sun set on Piwoyi, the message was clear: the fight against cholera is a battle we can win. By embracing cleanliness and working together, every Nigerian can become a hero in this story. The Federal Government’s campaign is more than an initiative; it’s a movement, a revolution of hygiene that promises a healthier, brighter future for all
The fight against cholera is a testament to the power of unity, cleanliness, and relentless dedication. As Nigeria steps into this new era of health and hygiene, every citizen has a role to play in this epic saga of survival and triumph.
