Singer Waje seeks entertainers’ support toward ending open defecation

Aituage Iruobe, a Nigeria singer popularly known as Waje, has called on entertainers to support the efforts of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Nigerian Government in eradicating open defecation.

Iruobe, a UNICEF Champion, said that the entertainment industry had a crucial role to play in ending open defecation in Nigeria.

She also said that entertainers should join in the fight to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDS).

It was reported that Iruobe made the call at a two-day media dialogue on open defecation.

The event which held in Lagos had the theme: ‘Ending Open Defecation in Nigeria and Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

It was organised by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, in collaboration with UNICEF.

According to the singer, entertainers should leverage their large audiences to campaign against open defecation.

“We can come up with creative contents that will pass messages against open defecation, and this will go a long way in eliminating NTDs.

“This will also create a healthy environment.

“Listening to such creative work repeatedly will make people to start embracing hygienic practices gradually,” she said.

Iruobe urged entertainers to use their social media handles to reach their teeming audiences on the dangers of open defecation.

In her remarks, Mrs Oyetola Oduyemi, Senior Director, Investor Relation and Sustainability, The End Fund, who was a panelist at the event, said that neglected tropical diseases were preventable and treatable.

Oduyemi said that collaboration of entertainers, governments, private organisations and the mass media would go a long way in minimising open defecation.

“We are concerned because of the number of people affected by diseases such as cholera, trachoma, river blindness, among others.

“We must support this initiative,” she said.