In a move aimed at promoting lasting hygiene culture in schools and communities, 24 students in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State have been inducted as ambassadors of the Hygiene Quest programme — a health education initiative spearheaded by Dettol in collaboration with the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA).
The induction, held at Etsu Ibrahim College of Health Science, Tsaragi, served as both a practical learning session and a call to leadership.
Students were trained on effective handwashing techniques to curb the spread of germs and infections.
Speaking during the event, the Director of Programming at WBFA, Mr. Williams Awotunde, represented by the National Programmes Manager, Mr. Kehinde Akinsola, said the induction was not just symbolic but the start of a greater responsibility for the students.
“You are now torchbearers of change.
“This is more than a workshop; it’s about building a lasting impact through Hygiene Quest Clubs that you will lead in your schools,” he stated.
According to him, the clubs will drive continuous hygiene advocacy through handwashing campaigns and WASH-related activities, even after the event has ended.
“Your role is to inspire your peers, engage your teachers and influence your communities.
“You are not just participants; you are leaders, innovators and changemakers,” Awotunde declared.
He urged the students to take ownership of their new responsibilities with passion.
The Executive Secretary of Edu Local Government, Mr. AbdulKadir Dauda, lauded the programme for empowering students to become agents of hygiene in their environment.
“We need more of this kind of initiative where students are not just taught, but trusted to lead,” Dauda said.
He urged the new ambassadors to teach their classmates and families what they had learnt.
Director of Quality Assurance at the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr. Adebimpe Idiagbon, noted that the WBFA had always advocated good hygiene, but the decision to hand over leadership of that message to students marked a commendable new phase.
“This isn’t just about awareness anymore; it’s about student-led action,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Taye Odedeji, Deputy Director of School Services at the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, said the induction gives the students a sense of identity and duty.
Odedeji, who is also the ministry’s UNESCO Desk Officer, described WBFA’s hygiene campaigns as “genuinely impactful” across the state.
Part of the event included the presentation of hygiene workstations to support the activities of the Hygiene Quest Clubs in the participating schools.
A spelling bee competition added excitement to the day.
Ibrahim Mazuma of Central Primary School, Lafiagi, won the primary school category, while Mohammed Baba of GSS Lafiagi clinched the secondary school category.
Both will represent Edu LGA in the state finals.
The Hygiene Quest programme continues to gain ground in Kwara State as a model for youth-led public health education, equipping the next generation to build healthier schools and safer communities.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
