National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Chibuzor Alli
Self Help Africa, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, UK International Development, and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has kicked off a 24-hour WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Innovation Challenge. The event was held on Saturday, at the NYSC Iyana-Ipaja Orientation Camp in Lagos.
The initiative, which began with a sensitization session for the 2024 Batch C Stream 1 corps members, aims to inspire young Nigerians to devise innovative solutions to the pressing water and sanitation challenges facing their communities.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Moses Jo Madugu, representing the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, discloses the importance of the WASH Campaign. He stated that sponsors are eager to support the creativity of youth in enhancing standards of water, sanitation, and hygiene in underprivileged areas.
Still at event, The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, who spoke on behalf of the Minister for Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, highlighted the critical role of handwashing hygiene as a cornerstone of personal health. He praised the initiative and expressed excitement about the inventive solutions that the participating platoons would present.
Meanwhile, The State Coordinator of NYSC Lagos, who represented the Director General, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, commended the corps members for their ingenuity and ability to generate innovative solutions in a short timeframe. He urged them to maintain such efforts, recognizing their significance in propelling national development. He also called on the youth to continue creating innovative ideas to tackle pressing national issues, emphasizing their vital role in crafting sustainable solutions for Nigeria.
The event featured a hackathon where five platoons delivered three-minute presentations showcasing their creative methods to enhance WASH practices in local communities. A panel of judges evaluated the ideas based on creativity, feasibility, and potential impact. At the conclusion of the hackathon, the team from Platoon 10 emerged as the overall winner, taking home a cash prize of ₦500,000, while Platoons 2 and 8 secured second and third places with prizes of ₦350,000 and ₦200,000, respectively.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Lagos State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Christiana Salmwang; Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Lagos State; Mr. Moses Jo Madugu, representative of the Hon. Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation; Mrs. Opara Chizoma, National Coordinator of the Clean Nigeria Campaign; as well as directors from the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, Peju Ibekwe, and other notable guests.
