Governor Ben Ayade Commended For Boosting ODF Status In Cross River

By Florence Kekong

Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade, has been applauded for investing in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

The applause came at a Press Release meeting organized by the State Ministry of Water Resources in Calabar, that declared the entire Boki local government area Open Defecation Free ODF, in all its ramifications.

Speaking at the occasion, Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Barr. Tina Banku Agbor who was represented by Director of Administration, Governor:s office, Mr. Bassey Esege, said that her joy knows no bounds as Cross River is still receiving unceasing commendations across the globe due to the unbeatable track records that are a culmination of the fervent efforts that the State Governor has put into the WASH sector in the State.

She pointed out that from the onset of the WASH campaign, Cross River State has continued to record unbeatable giant feats by proudly producing Obanliku as the first local area and Yakurr,  third in the country, and now, Boki, as the sixth local government area in the State to attain the ODF status.

"I count it all joy that  the State is recording these enviable strides and I am most appreciative to the State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade who has kept to his promise of enhancing livelihoods in the communities", she said.

The SSG, therefore, called on the people of Boki to continue to support the present administration, stating that Sir Ben Ayade would continue to spread his humanitarian generosity across their commuties as long as they remain in peace and united in purpose.

"I am particularly glad that as the Chairman of the State Task Group on Sanitation (STGS), Boki, as my own local government area has made the State proud by choosing to remain ODF, thereby, leaving   remarkable records in the WASH sector.

Declaring Boki ODF, the Permanent Secretary,  State Ministry of Water Resources, Dr. Fidelis Anukwa, also thanked the State Governor for his doggedness and determination in addressing inadequacies in the  area of WASH, noting that the Governor's frantic efforts are yielding commendable results that have placed the State in the enviable position it is today in the country.

He called on the people of the State to match efforts with development partners to ensure that the entire State remains ODF.

In his address, Acting Program Manager, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, RUWATSSA, Elder Eyo Offiong, also expressed his gratitude for the technical support from UNICEF and other development partners, including staff of the Ministry of Water Resources, RUWATSSA, Boki WASH unit, the traditional and community leaders of the area.

Registering his gratitude and unwavering support for the newly attained ODF status in, Boki, the Paramount Ruler of Boki, His Royal Majesty, Ata-Otu Fredaline E. Akando,   said that he would ensure that the Boki people show your known hospitality to the world, when finally the celebrations are made possible and Boki is awarded the certificate of honour.
He thanked the State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade for demonstrating in real terms, his readiness to impart on the lives of Boki people.