In line with the Federal government's clean Nigeria: use the toilet campaign drive, the United Nation International Children Education Fund (UNICEF) in conjunction with Plateau Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (PRUWASSA), has donated over 800 Sato Pans to poor and vulnerable households in Riyom local government area aimed at achieving open- defecation free (ODF) status.

The step marks a significant milestone as a result of stakeholders sensitisation workshop on adoption of faecal sludge management (FSM) for sanitation hygiene and economic benefits held sometimes in May this year by UNICEF.

Recalled, UNICEF has consistently supported local governments in Plateau in different initiatives, particularly Riyom for achieving ODF.

However, Sato pans is an upgrade from the traditional pig toilets to improved toilets. Improved toilets provide complete containment, ensuring there is no contact between human and feces, preventing the spread of harmful pathogens.

Speaking during the official flag off of the Sato pans for onward distribution to the target beneficiaries across the 17 wards in Riyom, held at the Riyom LGA secretariat, Nanbam Dawap Michael, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) Officer, UNICEF Nigeria, Bauchi field office acknowledged for years,
UNICEF has been supporting Plateau State in the push to achieve open-defecation-free communities. 
"Our work is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to be safe, and for a child to be safe, they must live in a clean environment. This responsibility does not rest on the child alone—it also depends on caregivers such as parents, families, and the wider community.

"Having a toilet and using it properly means ensuring complete separation between human beings and feces. Unfortunately, many rural communities still rely on pig toilets, which expose residents to disease. To address this, we are introducing and distributing the Sato Pan—an upgrade from traditional pig toilets to improved toilets.

"Following today’s distribution, the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, the WASH Department, and other partners and volunteers we support will visit communities to mobilize residents. They will raise awareness about the dangers of open defecation and promote the benefits of ending the practice.
"Beyond health benefits, reducing open defecation improves education—healthy children attend school more regularly and learn better—and has economic advantages. When children are not sick, parents spend less on medical bills and can channel their resources into more productive activities.

"The fight against open defecation continues, and we are committed to ensuring a safer, healthier future for every child", UNICEF WASH Officer added.

General manager of PRUWASSA, Engr. Godfrey Nuhu revealed that in a quest to achieve ODF status they intend to have 2,000 Sato pans but with 841 Sato pans at their possession it will go a long way in addressing the menace.

Nuhu, further admit that the selection process of the vulnerable households beneficiaries was strictly done based on merit by the 285 communities across the 17 wards in Riyom.

He said the partnership between Plateau government and UNICEF is yielding positive result.
PRUWASSA director sanitation and hygien promotion, Ritmwa Jibrin disclosed the agency have mobilize Sato pans from various stakeholders and well-meaning individuals as Riyom local government council donated 300, PRUWASSA 500,16 from the sister agency Plateau Municipal water supply and sanitation agency (PLAMWASSA), 20 from Engineer Badung Manchai who held from Ganawuri, Riyom LGA and a lady that donated 5, making grand total of 841 Sato pans, and each Sato pans cost about 6,500 Naira.

"It will give access to improved sanitation facilities in the households of the poor and vulnerable because the Sato pans is a sanitation device or product that has been made to make sanitation very easy, and it easy to clean, easy to wash, odour free and flies would not have access to the fence because it has an automatic cover", she stated.

Underscoring the significant of the project take off, chairman of Riyom LGA Hon. Sati Bature Shuwa represented by the deputy, Hon. Gwom Shung maintained the project has direct bearing in the lives of Riyom residents.

"Few weeks ago the partners to the council ensure certain things is done, and as a council we keyed into it to make sure Riyom achieving open defecation free status. We're able to invest resources to the tune of two million that enable the purchased of 300 Sato pans."

Acting director wash department Riyom local government, Ishaya Wash Choji said the local government has now achieved over 50% coverage toward attaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. 

"We have 15 groups prepared to attend to the less privileged in all the communities.Our goal is that by November, we will officially achieve Open Defecation Free status—the first local government in the state to do so."