The Well Being Foundation Africa (WBFA) and its social impact partner, Reckitt, have successfully implemented the Hygiene Quest Programme in 300 schools, impacting 88,280 students in Kwara State over the last two years.

Dr. Osinachi Onyeoziri, the WBFA Director of Programming and Reporting, disclosed this during the week at the Close Out of the Dettol Hygiene Quest Phase 2 programme in Ilorin.

Dr. Onyeoziri, represented by the Chief Programmes Manager, Kehinde Akinsola, noted that the programme was held in ten local governments with the goal of equipping students with critical hygiene knowledge and practices.

Beyond the schools, the initiative also reached a wider community: 121 communities, 33,854 mothers, and 13,466 community members were sensitized during the period under review.

Onyeoziri stated, "The close-out stage is not just the completion but a successful achievement in the efforts towards improving hygiene practices in homes and schools and promoting healthier communities across Nigeria." He added that the initiative has resulted in "more children who will live healthier and more communities that are more resilient to preventable diseases."

"Today marks not the closure of the journey but the beginning of the next chapter towards securing the future of our children and the health of our community.

"The behaviours nurtured must be sustained and the champions created must continue to drive the change.

"The teachers and ambassadors must continue to teach and lead the movement and the communities must continue to be accountable for their health," Onyeoziri said.

The Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe commended WBFA for its unwavering commitment to promoting health education, hygiene awareness, and community wellbeing.

Represented by Eunice Abidoye, the commissioner said the initiative has significantly contributed to improving hygiene practices, reducing preventable diseases, and enhancing school attendance among pupils and students across Kwara.

"We also recognize and appreciate the efforts of Reckitt (Dettol) for their continued investment in public health programs that empower our communities with life-saving hygiene knowledge and practices.

"Indeed, the achievement of over 400,000 individuals reached and inspired stands as a testament to the success of this impactful partnership," he said.

The commissioner reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to sustaining and expanding such initiatives through continuous colaboration, community engagement,and health education in our schools.

The Chairman, Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board, Prof. Raheem Adaramaja commended the foundation for inculcating healthy lifestyle in the students at a young age.

Adaramaja represented by Mr. Bimpe Idiagbon, Director Quality Assurance said the programme has reduced absenteeism in schools across the state.

One of the students, Rihannat Lamidi from NOWA Secondary school Offa said the programme has led to reduction in the rate of sickness among the students and the school environment now wears a new look.

Another student, Kehinde Adelowo from Omega College, Shao said students from his school now practise hand washing regularly in line with the WHO guidelines.

An highlight of the closeout session was a spelling bee competition involving schools from the 10 local government areas in both the primary and the secondary session.

The two winners (Morolaoluwa Orojo, from Ivy Hill Academy, Ilorin and Lamidi from NOWA Secondary School), who emerged at the spelling bee, will represent Kwara in the final next month.