A renewed push for better hygiene practices among school children has taken root in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, as 24 students were inducted as ambassadors of the Hygiene Quest Programme — a collaborative initiative between Dettol and the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA).
At a colourful induction ceremony held at Etsu Ibrahim College of Health Science, Tsaragi, the selected students were not only taught effective handwashing techniques but also equipped to champion hygiene practices in their schools and communities.
Speaking at the event, WBFA’s Director of Programming, Mr Williams Awotunde, said the newly inducted ambassadors represent a generation of change agents who will carry forward the message of hygiene and health long after the banners and workshops are gone.
Represented by Mr Kehinde Akinsola, the foundation’s National Programmes Manager, Mr Awotunde stressed that the programme was designed for lasting impact.
“These students will lead Hygiene Quest Clubs in their schools. They’ll organise handwashing demonstrations, hygiene campaigns, and other WASH activities,” he said. “They are not just participants — they are leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Their role is to inspire peers, engage teachers, and influence communities.”
Awotunde called on the ambassadors to take their new roles seriously, adding that they carry the responsibility of ensuring every school in Edu becomes a model of hygiene excellence.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of Edu Local Government, Mr AbdulKadir Dauda, applauded the initiative, saying it gives students a sense of ownership and responsibility in promoting health and hygiene.
“Students must share what they’ve learnt with their classmates and neighbours. Hygiene is everyone’s business, and this is how real change begins,” he noted.
Also speaking, Mr Adebimpe Idiagbon, Director of Quality Assurance at the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), described the move as a progressive step in ensuring sustainability.
“WBFA has always spread messages of hygiene and good health, but this new approach of empowering students is commendable,” he said.
Mr Taye Odedeji, Deputy Director of School Services at the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, described the programme as inclusive and impactful. He noted that the induction of students as ambassadors would deepen their commitment to hygiene and give them a strong voice in their schools.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of a hygiene workstation for use by the clubs, as well as a spelling bee competition. Ibrahim Mazuma of Central Primary School, Lafiagi won the primary category, while Mohammed Baba of GSS Lafiagi emerged winner in the secondary school category. Both will represent Edu Local Government at the state-level competition to determine Kwara’s overall hygiene ambassador.
The Hygiene Quest Programme continues to expand across schools in Kwara State, planting the seeds of a cleaner and healthier future — one student at a time.
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