The Well Being Foundation Africa (WBFA), in partnership with Dettol, has inducted 102 pupils as Hygiene Quest Ambassadors in Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State, charging them to become champions of clean living within their schools and communities.
Speaking at the ceremony in Ilorin, WBFA’s Director of Programming and Reporting, Dr Osinachi Onyeoziri, represented by the National Programmes Manager, Mr Kehinde Akinsola, said the initiative was designed to nurture a culture of hygiene among schoolchildren and inspire long-term behavioural change.
“Together, we are nurturing a culture of hygiene and health that will ripple outwards, touching lives and safeguarding futures,” Onyeoziri stated.
He urged the newly inducted ambassadors to lead by example and turn their schools into models of hygiene excellence.
He explained that Hygiene Quest Clubs were being established in schools to sustain the initiative, with the ambassadors expected to lead handwashing demonstrations, hygiene campaigns, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) activities.
“You are not just participants, you are leaders, innovators, and changemakers,” he told the students.
The Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, represented by Mr Taye Odedeji, commended WBFA and Dettol for what he described as a “formidable effort” to ensure cleanliness in schools.
He assured that the ministry would monitor the programme to ensure sustainability.
Similarly, the Education Secretary for Ilorin South Local Government, Mr Ibrahim Ahmed, described the project as a “timely intervention,” noting that handwashing was essential to prevent disease and infection.
Also, the Chairman of the Kwara Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, represented by Mr Adebimpe Idiagbon, said the programme was already yielding results by improving school attendance and pledged continued support.
The event featured a spelling bee competition for both primary and secondary school categories, with winners advancing to compete at the state level.
In addition, 51 schools received hand washing workstations to boost hygiene practices in their health clubs.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
