The Well-being Foundation Africa, a non-governmental organisation, on Friday sensitised students about hygiene and officially launched the Dettol Hygiene Quest Club in Lagos.
The foundation’s Director, Mr. Williams Awotunde, announced this during a media briefing held at Ikeja Grammar School in Oshodi, Lagos.
Awotunde explained that the foundation partnered with Reckitt, makers of Dettol products, to promote and sustain behavioural change around handwashing in schools.
“Today marks an important step in ensuring continuity of handwashing habits among schoolchildren,” he said. “We are launching newly created clubs in selected schools across Lagos State, where the project is currently being implemented.”
He added that the initiative aims to empower students as hygiene ambassadors through the Dettol Hygiene Quest Ambassador Club.
“These ambassadors will take the lead in promoting handwashing and hygiene practices by educating their peers, thereby creating a ripple effect,” he said.
Awotunde emphasised that children can influence not just their schools, but also their homes and religious communities. The long-term goal, he noted, is for the handwashing culture to persist even after the programme concludes.
“We earlier launched 10 clubs in Apapa-Ajeromi Local Government Area. Now, we are expanding to 10 additional LGAs,” he said.
Dr. Kudirat Adeyemi, an environmental officer from Lagos State’s Education District 6, applauded the initiative, calling it timely in light of the recent cholera outbreak.
“Students need continuous education on hygiene. This initiative complements our own Environmental Peace Club, launched by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu,” she said.
Adeyemi noted that Education District 6 includes 106 schools—51 senior and 55 junior secondary schools. For this programme, the focus is on junior secondary schools, with 31 participating in the launch.
The Hygiene Quest Club targets students aged seven and above. As part of the event, a spelling bee competition was held, and participating students received prizes and awards.
