80 Kwara Students Become Hygiene Champions as Dettol, WBFA Expand Health Campaign

Eighty pupils in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State have been inducted as hygiene ambassadors under the Hygiene Quest initiative, a partnership between Dettol and the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA).

Speaking at the colourful ceremony, Dr Osinachi Onyeoziri, WBFA’s Director of Programming and Reporting, said the programme was designed to raise a generation of young Nigerians who will see hygiene as a way of life rather than an occasional practice.

Represented by Mr Kehinde Akinsola, WBFA’s National Programmes Manager, he said, “Together, we are nurturing a culture of hygiene and health that will ripple outwards, touching lives and safeguarding futures.”

He explained that the establishment of Hygiene Quest Clubs in schools would ensure the continuity of the campaign beyond the event.

“You will lead handwashing demonstrations, hygiene campaigns and WASH activities, keeping the momentum alive. Your role is to inspire your peers, engage your teachers and influence your communities because you are not just participants, you are leaders, innovators, and changemakers,” he told the students.

Kwara’s Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, commended the effort, describing it as an initiative that would significantly improve the wellbeing of students.

Represented by Mr Yisa Joshua, he encouraged the ambassadors to share their knowledge widely. “Judging by the number of students already inducted across various local governments, WBFA and Dettol have done a great job. The impact should be felt across all schools,” he said.

The Education Secretary for Ilorin East, Alhaji Abdulmalik Asude, added that the programme could not have come at a better time.

N“Handwashing is essential to prevent disease and infection, and as ambassadors, you must spread this message to your friends and parents,” he urged.

Students were also trained on proper handwashing techniques by Nurse Educator, Miss Chukwu Roseline, while Mrs Aminat Ahmed of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) reminded the young ambassadors that their induction carried a responsibility.

“Take your new roles seriously and remain committed to hygiene practices. This is more than a title; it is a duty to your schools and communities,” she stressed.

The event also featured a spelling bee competition for junior and senior pupils, with winners set to represent Ilorin East in the state-wide contest. As part of the programme, 40 schools received handwashing workstations to support health clubs in promoting hygiene on their campuses.