About 80 pupils from schools in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State have been inducted as hygiene ambassadors under the Dettol Hygiene Quest programme, a partnership between Dettol and the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA).

At the induction held on Tuesday, the Director of Programming and Reporting at WBFA, Dr Osinachi Onyeoziri, represented by the National Programmes Manager, Mr Kehinde Akinsola, said the initiative was designed to equip children with the knowledge and responsibility to drive positive change in hygiene practices within their schools and communities.

“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 activities, keeping the momentum alive. You are not just participants, you are leaders, innovators, and changemakers,” Onyeoziri said.

Nurse Educator, Miss Chukwu Roseline, also demonstrated proper handwashing techniques, stressing its importance in preventing the spread of germs and diseases.

The Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, represented by Mr Yisa Joshua, commended WBFA and Dettol for the initiative, noting that the effort would boost the well-being of pupils. “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.

Similarly, the Education Secretary for Ilorin East, Alhaji Abdulmalik Asude, described the timing of the programme as crucial. “Handwashing is essential to prevent disease and infection, and as ambassadors, you must spread this message to your friends and parents,” he advised.

Mrs Aminat Ahmed, Assistant Director at the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), urged the new ambassadors to take their roles seriously, adding that the induction came with the responsibility to promote safe hygiene practices.

The event also featured a spelling bee competition where winners in both junior and senior categories qualified to represent Ilorin East at the state level. In addition, 40 schools received handwashing workstations to support their health clubs.