I Have a Passion for Clean Toilets

Abimbola, a well-known toilet business owner (TBO) in Ward 5, Egbeda, runs a cement and building materials shop. But in her community, she is better known as "Oni Toilet," meaning "the toilet person."

"I've always loved clean toilets," she says with a smile. "At my church, I volunteered to clean them, but I never imagined it could turn into a life-changing business until I attended a training organized by UNICEF and RUWASSA."

The training opened her eyes to the importance of sanitation and gave her the skills to construct toilets. It also introduced her to a microfinance loan program supported by UNICEF and the Oyo State Government, making it easier for her to build affordable toilets for families who once thought such facilities were out of reach.

At first, many people doubted they could afford a toilet. "But when I show up with cement, rings, blocks, and SATO pans or ceramic bowls, they are amazed at how quickly their new toilet is ready," she says.

In Oyo State, about 4.5 million people (54%) still practice open defecation, while only 10% have access to safely managed sanitation. In Egbeda, many people see toilet construction as a luxury. Women and girls are most affected, as they risk harassment when looking for a private place to relieve themselves, especially at night.

Abimbola focuses on helping retirees, single mothers, and widows. "I make it easy for them by helping them get loans with flexible repayment plans," she explains. "The gratitude I receive after building a toilet for a family is priceless."

For Abimbola, a toilet is more than just a structure—it’s dignity, safety, and health. In the past four years, she has built over 127 toilets in Ward 5, benefiting more than 800 people. "Cholera spreads where sanitation is poor. If my neighbor doesn’t have a toilet, my health is also at risk," she says. "And the smell from open defecation during the rainy season makes life unbearable. We all have a role to play in keeping our environment clean."

The rising cost of living has made loan repayment difficult for some clients. "Before, people paid back with ease, but now, with inflation and high building costs, many struggle. Some even tell me they haven’t eaten, so how can I ask them for money?" she says.

Despite these challenges, Abimbola dreams big. She envisions a central sewage system in her community, where waste can be turned into fertilizer and biofuel. "If we manage waste properly, we can even make money from it!"

Determined to expand her knowledge in waste management, Abimbola remains committed. "Toilets change lives. I want to keep helping people access proper sanitation while growing my business," she says.