Abike Dabiri applauds David Alaba for contributing towards anti-open defecation campaign

NIGERIA Diaspora Commission (Nidcom) chairperson Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa has called ion Nigerians to emulate the Real Madrid player of Nigerian extraction David Alaba who recently donated N13.3m ($32,373) towards the campaign against open defecation.

Alaba, 29, was born in Vienna to Nigerian parents and sensing his ability, the Austrians quickly capped him to ensure Nigeria did not do so. Alaba is Austria's second youngest player to play for their senior national team, debuting for them in 2009 as a 17-year-old and then going on to win a total of 90 caps for the national team.

However, despite being Austrian, Alaba has not forgotten his Nigerian roots and recently donated towards the campaign against open defecation through the Austrian chapter of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe. Recently, officials from Ecobank and the Organised Private Sector, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (OPS-Wash), visited her in Abuja to present the symbolic cheque from Mr Alaba to her.

Receiving the symbolic cheque, Hon Dabiri-Erewa, said that the gesture by the footballer, who is also an OPS-Wash ambassador, is highly commendable. She also thanked the vision of the presidency and the ministry of water resources, as well as, other stakeholders in pushing for a cleaner and healthier Nigeria.

Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa stated that the project of building modern toilets facilities aimed at sustainable job creation will begin in Ogun State, David Alaba’s home state. Also, she urged the project managers to endeavour to successfully deliver the facilities in record time.

Dr Nicholas Igwe, the OPS-Wash national coordinator, noted that open defecation has been a concern to the federal government, which prompted the establishment of the Wash Initiative and a 17-man presidential steering committee. Dr Igwe assured that the state-of-the-art waste equipment will not only better the ecosystem by reducing pollution but will be a great source of biofuel and organic manure, as well as lead to job creation and boost the economy..

He appreciated Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa for her tireless efforts in linking Nigerians, home and abroad to develop the country. Emeka Amadi, the regional manager, premier banking at Ecobank stated that through the bank, as the facilitating financial institution, the contribution will assist the Clean Nigeria Initiative to actualise the elimination of open defecation by 2025.