The Ekiti State Government has reinforced its mission to provide clean and accessible water to all residents, calling on media and civil society organizations (CSOs) to join forces in promoting positive sanitation and hygiene practices through the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) program.
Speaking at a recent sensitization workshop in Ado Ekiti, officials emphasized the importance of a unified front to address water scarcity challenges and improve public health across the state.
At the workshop, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, highlighted the critical role SURWASH
a World Bank and federal government-backed initiative plays in securing water resources for Ekiti. “Many citizens face daily struggles for access to clean water, often due to financial constraints or limited infrastructure,” he stated. He pledged government support to overcome these challenges, noting that efforts are underway to activate pipelines across Ado Ekiti and other regions to ensure safe, piped water access.
Prof. Aluko acknowledged that inconsistent electricity supply remains a hurdle, impacting the distribution of water from key dams like Ero, Ureje, Itapaji, and Egbe. However, he pointed to recent investments in an Independent Power Project in the state capital and the installation of dedicated feeder lines as steps that will soon amplify power availability, enhancing water distribution across Ekiti.
Outlining achievements under the SURWASH program, Prof. Aluko shared that 2023 saw the construction and rehabilitation of 64 WASH-compliant water and sanitation facilities, as well as the refurbishment of 121 boreholes and 111 sanitation facilities in schools and healthcare centers. Additionally, two major water schemes have been approved for rehabilitation to further strengthen the state’s water infrastructure.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Director of Information Services, Tope Babalola, stressed that media outlets and CSOs have a unique opportunity to drive public engagement on responsible water use and sanitation. He encouraged these groups to actively utilize their platforms to promote essential behavioral changes that support the state’s goal of attaining and maintaining an Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.
Dr. Bakare Ayolo, Senior Special Assistant on Public Advocacy to the Governor, praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration for its accomplishments under its six pillars, especially in infrastructure and industrial development, which cover water and power initiatives. He urged continued media support in spreading awareness of these efforts to foster sustainable development.
Also speaking, Engr. Olumide Ajayi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing the SURWASH program. He appealed to citizens to play a role in safeguarding water facilities, underlining the need for a shared sense of responsibility to preserve these resources for future generations.
Resource persons, including Dr. Mary Adeyanju and Mr. Tope Babalola, further engaged attendees on the roles of NGOs and media in water and sanitation advocacy, with participants from various CSOs, NGOs, and media organizations affirming their support for the program’s success.
The Ekiti State Government remains focused on its goal of providing sustainable access to clean water and strengthening healthier communities across urban and rural areas, as it works to build a state where water is accessible, clean, and reliably available for all.
