In a major push to improve hygiene and reduce preventable childhood diseases, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), in partnership with Reckitt Nigeria, has inducted 84 students as hygiene ambassadors.
The initiative, which was launched at the Lagos City College in Sabo, Yaba, saw pupils from Surulere, Shomolu, and Lagos Mainland Local Governments come together to promote positive behaviour change through hand hygiene education. The specific target was to achieve a 20 per cent increase in hand washing among children and their communities.
The programme seeks to tackle the root causes of illnesses such as diarrhoea and typhoid enteritis by empowering pupils and teachers to champion water, sanitation, and hygiene (wash) practices.
Speaking at the induction workshop, Mr. Williams Awotunde, director of Programmes for WBFA, represented by Daniel Ikwong, state programme lead, described the moment as pivotal.
He said, “Today isn’t just another day, it’s a call to action. Surulere, Shomolu, and Lagos Mainland Local Governments will join those previously inducted in the state. This initiative will spark leadership, responsibility, and transformation. These clubs will help ensure that hygiene education and advocacy continue well beyond the workshops.
“They will lead the charge in their schools by demonstrating hand washing, driving campaigns, and sustaining WASH activities.”
Brand Manager for Dettol at Reckitt Nigeria, Abikoye Toluwase, highlighted the urgency of early hygiene education.
“This project is about catching them young. When children adopt healthy habits early, they grow into lifelong advocates for cleanliness. The core objective is to reduce the incidence of childhood illnesses and minimise school absenteeism caused by poor hygiene,” he said.
Representing the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Tayo Badru Mobolaji commended WBFA and Reckitt for their proactive engagement, saying, “We are proud to support this initiative. Health is a serious issue, and we cannot do it alone. When NGOs like WBFA bring hygiene education to our doorsteps, they help build healthier communities and a more productive future.”
