Dettol, an hygiene brand, and it’s partner, the Well Being Foundation Africa (WBFA), has inducted 98 students in Offa and Oyun Local Government Areas of Kwara as ambassadors of its Hygiene Quest programme.

Performing the induction of 98 students as ambassadors of its “Hygiene Quest” in Offa, Offa Local Government area of Kwara, the Foundation’s Director of Programming, Mr Williams Awotunde, said the aim was to nurture a culture of hygiene and health.

‘Together, we are nurturing a culture of hygiene and health that will ripple outwards, touching lives and safeguarding futures,” Awotunde said.

He charged the ambassadors to embrace the opportunity 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.

The director said that the foundation and its partner, Reckitt and Benckiser group, producers of Dettol, designed the project to create lasting behavioural change and not just to end as a workshop.

Awotunde, represented by the National Programmes Manager, WBFA, Mr Kehinde Akinsola, said that the induction marks the beginning of a journey where each of the ambassador would be torch bearers of change in their schools and communities.

He said as a sustainability measure, the organisation was building a network of Hygiene Quest Clubs in 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.

”You will lead hand washing demonstrations, hygiene campaigns and Water, Sanitisation and Hygiene (WASH) activities, keeping momentum alive in your schools.

”Your role is to inspire your peers, engage your teachers and influence your communities.

”I am incredibly proud to say that you are not just a participants, you are leaders, innovators and changemakers,” Awotunde said.

At the induction held at the Offa Descendants Union Hall, the students were taught how to wash their hands thoroughly to avoid the spread of germs.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe said the initiative was commendable as it would improve the overall well being of the students.

Olohungbebe represented by the Deputy Director, Desk Officer, Mr Yisa Joshua urged the students to share leasons learnt with their friends and colleagues.

The Executive Secretary, Oyun Local Government Council, Mrs Janet Awoniyi, commended the initiative saying health is wealth and should be prioritised.

The Executive Secretary, Offa Local Government, Mrs Bunmi Ayodeji urged the students to utilise the opportunity given to them as it was rare.

The Director, Quality Assurance, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr Adebimpe Idiagbon, appreciated the new strategy the organisation adopted in promoting hygiene discipline in the students.

The highlight of the programme was a spelling bee competition where winners emerged for each local government.

The winners will meet winners in other local governments to compete for the best school in Kwara.

The schools (29 in Offa, 20 in Oyun) were presented with hand washing work stations to the clubs of each school.