The Oyo State Government has inaugurated a 20-member State Task Group on Sanitation (STGS) to tackle open defecation and improve water, sanitation, and hygiene across the state by 2028.

Speaking at the inauguration held at the House of Chiefs in Ibadan, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal — represented by Information Commissioner Dotun Oyelade — urged the group to intensify public awareness and encourage the adoption of basic sanitation facilities, especially in institutions lacking them.

Lawal reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ending open defecation, describing the STGS launch as a key step toward achieving that goal.

Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency Chairman, Babalola Afobaje, said the initiative would boost sanitation efforts, while House of Assembly Committee Chair on Environment, Olorunpoto Cephas, pledged legislative and advocacy support.

The task group is chaired by Secretary to the State Government, Olanike Adeyemo, with other members drawn from various sectors and institutions across the state.