WBFA, partner induct students as ambassadors of hygiene quest in Kwara

The Well Being Foundation Africa (WBFA), in partnership with Reckitt Benckiser’s Dettol brand, has launched its “Hygiene Quest” campaign in Kwara State, aiming to instill lasting hygiene practices among schoolchildren.

At an induction ceremony held at Etsu Ibrahim College of Health Science on Friday, 24 students were officially appointed as Hygiene Quest ambassadors. Mr. Williams Awotunde, WBFA’s Director of Programming, charged the new envoys to lead by example.

“Together, we are nurturing a culture of hygiene and health that will ripple outwards, touching lives and safeguarding futures,” Awotunde said. He urged the ambassadors to embrace their roles “with passion in order to build a future where every school is a model of hygiene excellence and every ambassador is a beacon of hope and health.”

Represented by Mr. Kehinde Akinsola, the Foundation’s National Programmes Manager, Awotunde emphasized that the initiative goes beyond a one-off workshop. “We designed this project to create lasting behavioural change and not just to end as a workshop,” he explained.

To ensure sustainability, WBFA is establishing Hygiene Quest Clubs in participating schools, to be led by the inducted ambassadors. “These clubs will ensure that hygiene education and advocacy continue after the banners are down and workshops are concluded,” Awotunde said. “You will lead hand-washing demonstrations, hygiene campaigns and WASH activities, keeping momentum alive in your schools. You are not just participants; you are leaders, innovators and changemakers.”

Students were taught proper hand-washing techniques to prevent germ transmission, and each club received dedicated workstations for ongoing activities.

Local government and education officials commended the programme. Mr. AbdulKadir Dauda, Executive Secretary of Edu Local Government Council, urged the ambassadors to share their newfound knowledge with classmates and neighbours. Mr. Adebimpe Idiagbon, Director of Quality Assurance at the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), praised the fresh strategy for promoting hygiene discipline.

Mr. Taye Odedeji, Deputy Director of School Services in the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development and UNESCO Desk Officer, noted WBFA’s positive impact on health and hygiene improvements across Kwara schools.

The presentation of workstations marked the culmination of the induction, equipping the Hygiene Quest Clubs to carry forward the campaign’s objectives.