Mrs. Obiano Promotes Clean Environment with CAFE Market Toilets

In a practical demonstration of support for government programme on environmental hygiene and cleanliness, two modern toilet facilities built by the Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE), an NGO was recently commissioned by the wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano.

‎The Toilets built under the auspices of CAFE Market Toilet project at Eke Igwe Nteje Market in Oyi Local Government and Afor Mbaukwu in Awka South Local Government Area are part of the first phase of the facilities which the governor’s wife is constructing in select rural markets across the three Senatorial Districts of the State to boost environmental hygiene in rural markets in the state.

Speaking while commissioning Eke Igwe Nteje Toilet, Chief Mrs. Obiano said that the toilet project is targeted at improving the welfare of the women-folk through personal hygiene, environmental cleanliness and preservation of the dignity of the women.

According to Mrs. Obiano," the concept of the Market Toilet is borne out of genuine desire to promote healthy market environment and cleanliness in our rural markets and the well-being of our industrious mothers. I observed the lack of basic conveniences in the rural markets, and decided to encourage them by preserving their self-esteem. The toilets are complementary to the good work of the government in the area of maintenance of clean environment, and as you can see it is funded by donors whose selfless input are recognized on the plaque placed on the walls here for posterity. This is my modest way of ensuring that our society and our children stay healthy always in this 21st century.”

Mrs. Obiano stated that apart from promoting hygiene, the toilet which has male and female sections is also a source of empowerment because women leaders in the communities are identified to manage it and keep it clean with little money collected from users.

A borehole is also be sited nearby to provide water to the facility while at the same time dispensing water to locals through an extended outlet. She called on the people to treat the toilet facility as their own and ensure it is well kept.

In their separate welcome addresses, Chairman of Oyi Local Government Council Mr. Maxi Oraefo and his counterpart in Awka South Local Government, Hon Azubika Ilo, commended governor Obiano and his wife for working towards better living condition in the communities of Anambra state. They also called on the women to make good use of the facilities as well as Ndi Anambra to give the governor and his wife maximum support.

Commending the CAFÉ rural market toilet initiative, Igwe Roland Odegbo of Nteje said that the market toilet is one the projects the governor’s wife is executing through her NGO to improve the fortunes of women in our communities. He described Osodieme as a “blessing not just to her husband governor Obiano, but to Ndi Anambra for ensuring that our people are getting double value in good governance.”

According to Igwe Odegbo, “I can’t enumerate all that Mrs. Obiano has done under two years of her husband’s remarkable stewardship in Anambra. Many of you are aware of her support for the physically challenged through donation of free prosthetic limbs, empowerment of women in various skills, care for the mentally challenged in a home right here in Nteje, and most importantly the building of free houses for indigent widows.” She is indeed God sent, Igwe concluded.

In her remarks at Afor Nibo, Oche-eze Mbaukwu, Dr. Mrs. Ebele Anugwu, observed that the benefits of the CAFÉ Market toilet project to the women and the community is unquantifiable. Apart from promoting clean environment and healthy living and by extention preventing certain types of diseases, the quality of life in the beneficiary communities instantly improves. Dr. Mrs. Anugwu describes Mrs. Obiano as a remarkable and kind hearted woman whose concern for the welfare of woman in Anambra is unparalleled.

The CAFÉ market toilet project is currently under construction in other locations across communities in the state.