UNICEF, Niger Foods Join Forces to Promote Hygiene and Tackle Open Defecation in Communities
From : Rashida Abdul Rahman.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), through its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programme, has join forces with Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Limited to strengthen collaboration on promoting hygiene practices and ending open defecation, particularly in communities where Niger Foods operates its farms.
During the visit to Niger Foods’ office in Minna, UNICEF representative, Mrs. Theresa Pamma, explained that the initiative seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of open defecation and its impact on public health, especially the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera and E. coli.
She stressed the need for proper sanitation and hygiene practices, urging community members to use toilets, wash their hands regularly with soap, and protect water sources from contamination. According to her, access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental human right essential for the health and well-being of children and families.
Mrs. Pamma also called on community leaders, youth, and women’s groups to take active roles in driving behavioral change toward achieving a cleaner and healthier environment. She noted that the initiative complements Niger Foods’ ongoing partnership with the Dangote Group and other stakeholders on rice farming projects aimed at increasing local food production and creating employment opportunities for rural households.
She emphasized that collaboration between development organizations and the private sector is key to expanding access to safe water and improving community health outcomes.
Responding,the Executive Director of Niger Foods, Mrs. Patience Koku, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to sustainable agriculture and community empowerment. She stated that the engagement with UNICEF aligns with Niger Foods’ mission to build resilient and self reliant communities with access to clean water and improved sanitation.
Mrs. Koku further expressed the company’s readiness to collaborate with both public and private organizations to promote agricultural growth, food security, and overall community development across Niger State and beyond.
