The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), in collaboration with Reckitt Nigeria, has organised a hygiene workshop for students and inducted ambassadors to lead hygiene advocacy in schools.
A total of 74 students from Apapa and Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Areas in Lagos State were officially inducted as Hygiene Quest Ambassadors.
The initiative aims to establish Hygiene Quest Clubs, empowering students to spearhead handwashing demonstrations, hygiene awareness campaigns, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) activities within their schools.
In his opening remarks, Director of Programming, WBFA, Williams Awotunde, emphasised the critical role Dettol Hygiene Quest ambassadors will play in promoting handwashing and hygiene practices in their communities.
“The goal is for ambassadors to lead hygiene demonstrations in their schools and encourage their peers to join the clubs, so that handwashing becomes a habit, whether at school, at home, or anywhere they find themselves,” Awotunde said.
He highlighted the broader impact of these habits, noting, “If children imbibe this habit, it will reduce infections and illnesses, which in turn will reduce absenteeism. When a child is not sick, they will be in school. When a child is healthy, parents will not have to divert scarce resources to medical care.”
Awotunde described the initiative as more than a one-off campaign. “At WBFA, we believe sustainability is not just a goal, it’s a mindset. This induction is not the end; it’s just the beginning.
“You are not just participants; you are leaders, innovators, and changemakers,” Awotunde told the students. “Together, we are nurturing a culture of hygiene and health that will ripple outwards, touching lives and safeguarding futures.”
He also expressed gratitude to Reckitt, whose support has been vital to the initiative, as well as to education stakeholders, including local education authorities, state universal basic education boards, and ministries of education.
“Today, I challenge you to embrace this opportunity with passion. Be bold, be curious, and remember: what you learn and share today can change lives tomorrow,” Awotunde said.
“Let’s build a future where every school is a model of hygiene excellence, and every ambassador is a beacon of hope and health.”
Executive Chairman of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Hakeem Shittu, addressed participants at the workshop, emphasising the collective responsibility to drive change.
“As we gather here, we are not just individuals, we are champions of change, united by our passion for creating healthier communities,” he stated.
Shittu, who was represented by Stephen Avoseh, also from SUBEB, outlined the goals of the workshop, which include building the capacity of students and teachers to promote good hygiene practices, empowering ambassadors as role models for healthier school environments, and strengthening collaboration among education stakeholders for sustained impact.
He urged the ambassadors to approach their roles with dedication.
“You will champion this noble cause to inspire others to prioritise good health and well-being. Together, let us empower communities with knowledge and practices that foster a healthier future.”
