WBFA, Reckitt Inaugurate 106 Students As Hygiene Ambassadors

The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), in partnership with Reckitt Nigeria, has inaugurated 106 students as hygiene ambassadors across schools in Lagos State as part of an ongoing campaign to promote hand-washing and hygiene among children.

The initiative, which has expanded to Oshodi-Isolo, Mushin, and Ikeja, all under Education District 6, seeks to empower students to champion Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices within their schools and communities.

The Hygiene Ambassador initiative builds on the Dettol Hygiene Quest Club, which was launched earlier this month in Apapa and Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Areas.

According to the organisers, the club is designed to educate students about personal and environmental hygiene, helping them instil healthy behaviours in their peers.

Director of Programmes at WBFA, Williams Awotunde, urged the students to adopt regular hygiene practices. “Make sure you wash your hands as often as necessary, especially after using the toilet, playing in the sand, or touching communal surfaces.

“Diarrhoea, a leading killer among children, is primarily spread through contaminated hands. Proper hygiene helps children stay healthy, reduces infections, and limits medical expenses for families,” Awotunde said.

Also speaking, Environmental Officer for Education District 6, Lagos State Government, Dr. Kudirat Adeyemi, lauded the initiative and described it as a timely intervention amid public health concerns.

“The Wellbeing Foundation’s WASH programme aligns strongly with Lagos State’s priorities, particularly given the increasing threat of cholera outbreaks and related health challenges.

“Educating students on hygiene is a critical step in curbing these outbreaks, and their presence today is a welcome response to current realities,” Adeyemi said.

She also noted ongoing efforts by the state to reinforce hygiene education through clubs like the Environmental Bees Club (EBC), launched by Lagos First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.