Author: Deborah Aribo

The Ikeye people of Gbagura in Abeokuta North Local Government were helped by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, and her classmates in the School of Policy, Politics and Governance. 

The donated toilet has two chambers, a pumping machine and water sources so that it can be used in a sanitary manner. 

According to Coker, many children and pregnant women have been sent to early grave due to the consequences of open defecation. 

She said that Abeokuta North is prominent for open defecation in the country, hence the reason for her decision with about seven of her coursemates from Public Health Sector in different parts of the world. 

"The toilet isn't for decoration. It is for the benefit of the people of this community and you have a responsibility to take care of it. There will be a reduction in cases of diarrhoea, maternal and infant mortality with this donated toilet." She said that they expect you to wash your hands with soap and tap water. 

The Commissioner said that the essence of human existence is to impact lives and without greed and selfishness. 

The residents of the community were told by Coker that the toilet is not for decoration and they should take full ownership of it.