In the next 12 months, the Nigerian youths answering the clarion call across the country will benefit from a mentorship programme in technical and leadership support aimed at ensuring that they go back to their various communities and implement the WASH Innovative Challenge to promote a healthy environment.
Mr. Shadrack Guusu, Head of Water Sanitation & Hygiene Programmes, gave this submission in a chat with journalists at the 2024 WASH Innovative Challenge which took place at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Lagos on Saturday, December 14.
Guusu, while speaking on behalf of the Country Director of Self Help Africa, disclosed that “there will also be funding because the Youth Corps members have sought the funding that will go into the initiatives they have picked, so the winners will have that support to ensure that they go back and implement programmes.”
Talking about the rationale behind the move, Guusu opined that “the initiative is part of our water, sanitation and hygiene programme. We are doing this engagemenr programme with Corps members as a result of support to the implementation of National Youth Strategy which was launched by the Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation as well as the Ministry of Youth Development.
“The essence of the strategy is to increase youth involvement in solving the sanitation and water hygiene challenges in Nigeria.”
He added: “Over 48 million Nigerians still defecate in the open, it means they don’t have access to basic sanitation services which simply means that many Nigerians do not have access to potable water supply and as well handwashing behaviour is very poor. So, the youth strategy is leveraging the power of the youth population in Nigeria, the innovative, energetic features of the young person to launch innovative equitable solutions to water sanitation and hygiene services in ensuring that the SDG Goal 6 is achieved in due time.”
In his remarks, Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed, the Director-General of NYSC, said: “I want to reiterate our commitment to aligning the mission of the NYSC scheme with the objectives of the Youth WASH Strategy. Our Corps members are uniquely positioned, serving in communities across the country, including remote and underserved areas. They are invaluable agents of change, capable of driving public health initiatives like this campaign to the grassroots level.
The D-G, represented by Mrs. Christy Salmwang, Lagos State NYSC Camp Coordinator, stressed: “The NYSC remains fully committed to collaborating with all stakeholders – government ministries, development partners, and private organisations to ensure the success of this campaign. Together, we will leverage the passion, innovation, and reach of our Corps members to create lasting behavioural change and improve sanitation and hygiene practices nationwide.”
In his remarks, Dr Jamila Ibrahim Bio, the Minister of Youth Development, submitted: “This is a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and the remarkable potential of our youth in driving solutions to critical challenges facing our nation.
“The essence of WASH are not just buzzwords. They are cornerstones of public health, economic stability, and community resilience. Clean hands save lives, and improved sanitation ensures dignity.
“Access to safe water is not just a human need; it is a human right. These principles underline why this campaign is so significant and why we, as a nation, must rally together to champion this cause. This campaign is about more than hygiene practices. It is about equipping our young people – our Corps members – with the tools, knowledge, and leadership skills to become ambassadors of change.
“The Heartbeat of This Campaign – the NYSC – has always been a symbol of hope and unity. As you take on an even greater role through initiatives like the WASH Hackathon, we are witnessing your creativity, problem-solving skills, and passion for driving meaningful change,” he stressed.
In a goodwill message, Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation, said: “Clean hands represent one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to break the cycle of disease and poverty. As we commemorate the Global Handwashing Day 2024, we are reminded that over 1.5 million children globally still lose their lives annually to preventable diseases like diarrhoea and pneumonia, many of which could be averted through the simplest act of handwashing with soap.
“This year’s theme, ‘Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?’, highlights the urgent need to address hygiene challenges, particularly in Nigeria, where over 70 million people lack access to basic handwashing facilities. Poor hygiene not only endangers health but also affects school attendance, economic productivity, and community resilience.
“Our partnership with Self Help Africa reinforces our dedication to addressing these challenges. By engaging thousands of NYSC members as WASH Ambassadors, we are equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and tools to champion sustainable WASH solutions in schools, homes, and communities. These efforts align with the Federal Government’s National Action Plan for the Revitalisation of Nigeria’s Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (2019–2030), as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6), aimed at ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation.”
Dignitaries at the events include the National Coordinator of Clean Nigeria, Use the Toilet Campaign, Mrs. Chizoba Opara; the Minister of Youth Development, Olawande Wisdom Ayodele, represented by Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende; Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, represented by Director of Reform, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Moses Jo-Medugu, among others.
By Ajibola Adedoye
