The Rotary Club of Omole Golden donates a modern four-toilet facility worth over N4m to the Iju Ogundimu Market in Lagos, addressing a long-standing sanitation issue

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n a significant move to improve public health and sanitation, the Rotary Club of Omole Golden has constructed and generously donated a modern four-toilet facility, valued at over N4 million, to the Iju Ogundimu Market community in Lagos.

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The donation aims to tackle a persistent sanitation challenge that has plagued the bustling market for years.

According to a statement released by the Rotary Club on Tuesday, the newly commissioned facility comprises two toilets each for males and females, built from the ground up on a robust foundation.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the President of the Rotary Club of Omole Golden, Rotarian Babajide Ogunleye, described the project as a crucial response to the community’s repeated appeals over the past four years.

Ogunleye explained the journey of the project, noting that while the community had consistently requested the facility, the timing of their requests often coincided with the latter part of the Rotary year.

However, this year, the early appeal allowed the club to prioritise the project once existing commitments were fulfilled.

Highlighting the critical need for the facility, Ogunleye emphasised the severe health implications of the previous lack of proper sanitation.

“There was nowhere for the entire community to relieve themselves; they had to go into bushes and gutters, which clearly does not support a healthy environment,” he stated, underscoring the urgency and genuineness of the community’s need.

Ogunleye proudly revealed that the entire project was funded through the collective generosity of Rotary Club members, who contributed varying amounts weekly to bring the vital amenity to fruition.

“For the past four years, this community has always approached our club with a needs assessment and letters requesting the construction of this toilet.” – Rotarian Babajide Ogunleye

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the toilet facility, the Rotary Club plans to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Iju Ogundimu Market community, clearly outlining their respective maintenance responsibilities.

Ogunleye expressed optimism based on the market chairman’s enthusiastic pledge to personally oversee the facility’s upkeep, regardless of the formal agreement.

He also highlighted the durability of the construction, stating that it was built to last for at least 20 years.

He urged the community to safeguard the facility, emphasizing that even small individual contributions collectively made a significant impact.

“Please take care of this facility. Nothing would make us happier than returning in a year’s time to see it still standing and fully functional,” Ogunleye appealed.

Rotarian Prince Akiyele, the District Governor-Elect of Rotary International, District 9111, who was also present, affirmed that the project aligns perfectly with Rotary’s global focus on water, sanitation, and hygiene.

He noted the historical significance of public sanitation as Rotary International’s first-ever service project, dating back over a century in Chicago.

“This toilet will greatly improve hygiene in this busy market area and promote a healthy environment,” he added, encouraging the community to ensure its proper maintenance.

The Baba Oja (male market leader) of Iju-Ogundimu Market, Alhaji L.A Azeez, who also serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Community Development Committee in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, conveyed the community’s profound gratitude.

He acknowledged the tremendous positive impact the facility would have on the market and the surrounding area, aligning with the government’s goals for improved sanitation and a healthier environment.