The Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation in line with the Imo State Sustainable Urban Rural Water Supply Sanitation Hygiene commemorated the 2025 World Toilet Day in a grand and memorable manner as part of the Imo State SURWASH Implementation action Plan.

The event was organized in collaboration with the Imo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), the Imo State Small Town Water and Sanitation Agency (ISSTOWA), the Better Life Community Initiative, Global Health Awareness Research Foundation (GHARF), LGA WASH Coordinators, Toilet Business Owners (TBOs), Sewage Truck Operators, and Manual Emptying Service Providers.

The gathering brought together stakeholders from across the WASH sector to reflect on this year’s theme: Sanitation in a Changing World. The program began with the introduction of participants from various organizations, followed by opening remarks from leaders of the SURWASH implementation agencies—ISWSC Managing Director, Engr. Chizoba Justin Udegbe. General Manager (RUWASSA) Dr. John-Kennedy Agubom; and the General manager (ISSTOWA) Engr. Ebere Ononiwu.
In their opening remarks, they emphasized the growing importance of sanitation in today’s rapidly changing environment and underscored the need for stronger institutional collaboration to ensure universal access to safe sanitation. Representing the Managing Director and the general managers, Engr. Boniface Onyeji, Anthony Duru and Ann Oguzie highlighted that sanitation is not merely a basic necessity but a powerful driver of public health, human dignity, environmental protection, and socioeconomic development. He called for renewed commitment toward ensuring that every household in Imo State enjoys safe toilet facilities and a clean environment.

Presentations and Key Discussions

The first technical presentation was delivered by Engr. Henry Adiruo, who spoke extensively on the theme Sanitation in a Changing World. He noted that World Toilet Day, established by the United Nations, remains a vital platform for advocating safe and sustainable sanitation. He stressed the urgent need to adapt sanitation systems to global changes—such as population growth, urbanization, climate impacts, and environmental challenges—to ensure that everyone has access to adequate toilets.

The second presentation was delivered by Mr. Cornel Ekeh, Program Officer of GHARF, who spoke on The Importance of Toilet Facilities in Our Changing World. He pointed out that World Toilet Day shines a spotlight on the plight of billions who still lack basic sanitation. According to him, inadequate sanitation, unsafe drinking water, and poor hygiene contribute to an estimated 1.4 million preventable deaths annually, with low-income countries bearing the greatest burden.

Mr. Ekeh emphasized that toilets protect public health by preventing the spread of deadly diseases such as diarrhea and intestinal infections. They safeguard women and girls, prevent harassment, and ensure dignity. He further highlighted that clean and accessible toilets in schools significantly improve attendance—particularly for girls—and support menstrual hygiene management.

He described toilets as a fundamental human right and a critical component of community well-being, stressing their role in preventing water contamination, reducing malnutrition, promoting safer learning environments, and improving overall quality of life. In conclusion, he called on communities and institutions to engage in sustainable, community-led sanitation initiatives, urging everyone to “get involved” in tackling the global sanitation crisis.

Guest Address

The guest speaker, Chief Malachi Chukwuemeka, delivered an insightful address on the broader sanitation crisis affecting Nigeria and many African countries. He urged stakeholders to prioritize sanitation and hygiene as essential components of national development, and he advocated for regular meetings of sanitation experts to address emerging challenges.

Closing Session

The interactive session featured questions, contributions, and reflections on the 2025 World Toilet Day theme. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Ikenna Anumunu, the Imo State Coordinator of the Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN). A group photograph followed, serving as official documentation of the event and reinforcing the collective commitment to advancing sanitation in a changing World.

We extend our profound appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to revitalizing the sanitation system in Imo State. His efforts continue to enhance access to safe and healthy sanitation services for all Imo residents.

Uzoamaka Odom
Communication Officer