An organisation, Well Being Foundation Africa (WBFA), during the week inducted 102 secondary and primary school pupils within Ilorin South Local Government as Hygiene Quest Ambassadors in Kwara State.

Aside from this, 51 schools were also given handwashing workstations for their health clubs.

The forum charged the pupils to uphold hygiene in Ilorin South Local Government Area.

At the induction, WBFA’s Director of Programming and Reporting, Dr. Osinachi Onyeoziri, said the initiative was to nurture a culture of hygiene and health among schoolchildren.

According to him: “Together, we are nurturing a culture of hygiene and health that will ripple outwards, touching lives and safeguarding futures.”

He urged the ambassadors to embrace the opportunity with passion and commitment by transforming their schools into models of hygiene excellence and becoming beacons of hope and health in their communities.

Onyeoziri, represented by Mr. Kehinde Akinsola, WBFA’s National Programmes Manager, explained that the programme, jointly held with Reckitt, producers of Dettol, was to create lasting behavioural change beyond a one-off workshop.

He added: “As a sustainability measure, Hygiene Quest Clubs are being established in schools and will be led by the inducted ambassadors.

“These clubs will ensure that hygiene education and advocacy continue after the banners are down and workshops concluded.
“You will lead handwashing demonstrations, hygiene campaigns, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) 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 charged.

During the event, students were taught proper handwashing techniques and practices.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, described the initiative as commendable, saying he expected it to improve the overall well-being of students.

Represented by the UNESCO Desk Officer at the Ministry, Mr. Taye Odedeji, he commended WBFA for being a formidable partner in ensuring cleanliness in schools.

He said the ministry would ensure that the programme is sustained, as monitoring was being carried out in the schools to ensure they do all that is necessary to continue.
“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 South Local Government, Mr. Ibrahim Ahmed, commended WBFA for championing cleanliness and hygiene to promote healthy living.

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

Also speaking, the Chairman, Kwara Universal Basic Education Board, Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, said the programme was timely and already impactful in the schools inducted.

Adaramaja, represented by his Director of Quality Assurance, Mr. Adebimpe Idiagbon, said the board would continue to support the foundation to reduce absenteeism in schools by ensuring proper hygiene.

The highlight of the programme was a spelling bee competition, with winners emerging in both the primary and secondary categories.

The winners will proceed to compete with counterparts from other local governments to determine the best school in the state.