WorldStage Newsonline– The Abuja National Mosque has pledged its support to the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in the fight to end open defecation in Nigeria by 2030.
The Murshid of the mosque, Prof. Shehu Ahmad Saeed Galadanci, made this commitment in Abuja when the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, alongside the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, paid him a courtesy visit.
Galadanci, represented by the Imam of the mosque, Prof. Muhammad Kabir Adam, emphasized the importance of the campaign, stating that cleanliness is an integral part of Islam. He assured the government of the mosque’s full support in raising awareness about proper sanitation.
He also highlighted the mosque’s facilities, which cater to 5,000–6,000 worshippers daily, including toilets and ablution areas for 300 people at a time. He stressed that proper sanitation aligns with Islamic teachings and pledged to encourage other Imams across the country to integrate the message of ending open defecation into their sermons.
In his remarks, the Minister, Prof. Joseph Utsev, described the mosque as a key stakeholder in driving the campaign nationwide. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” initiative, launched in 2019, and reaffirmed that achieving an open-defecation-free (ODF) Nigeria remains a top priority under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The Minister noted that 142 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have so far attained ODF status, with Jigawa State being the only state to have completely eradicated open defecation. However, he stressed the need for sustained efforts and stronger partnerships to achieve the nationwide goal by 2030.
“The Murshid, being at the helm of affairs at the Abuja National Mosque, interacts with almost all Imams across the country. Through their teachings, public sermons, and engagement with various communities, this message can be disseminated to all corners of the nation,” Utsev stated.
He further emphasized that open defecation contributes to waterborne diseases, which pose serious health risks and economic challenges. He called on the Murshid to advocate for the construction of toilets in mosques and to encourage behavioral change among worshippers to adopt proper sanitation practices.
