Oyo Govt, UNICEF Mark Global Hand washing Day, Urge Consistent Hygiene Practice

The Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (OYORUWASSA) in collaboration with United Nations Children Funds (UNICEF) has joined the rest of the world to commemorate Global Hand washing Day, emphasizing the importance of regular hand washing for healthy living.

The 2025 Global Hand washing Day celebration, held at the Western Hall of the Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Ibadan, focused on promoting proper hand hygiene and increasing public awareness about the prevention of infectious diseases.

The annual event, themed “Be a Hand washing Hero,” brought together stakeholders from government agencies, health institutions, schools, and the private sector, all emphasizing the importance of regular hand washing with soap as a simple yet powerful tool for safeguarding health. Participants were encouraged to take personal responsibility for maintaining cleanliness, adopting healthy hygiene practices, and inspiring others to do the same in order to build a healthier and more resilient society.

The Chairman of Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Alhaji Babalola Afobaje, said the event was organized to educate residents on the benefits of maintaining proper hand hygiene as an effective way to prevent diseases.

He noted that consistent hand washing helps protect against illnesses such as diarrhea, cholera, and other infections. He urged people to make hand washing a daily habit, especially after cooking, using the toilet, or touching objects and surfaces.

“Being an advocate of hand washing means being conscious and consistent with washing your hands at every opportunity,” he said.

Afobaje explained that, OYORUWASSA has continued to sensitize the public through radio campaigns, community outreach programmes, and the distribution of educational materials to promote hand hygiene across the state. He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to ensuring that residents have access to clean water and soap for proper hand washing.

Highlighting its achievements, the Chairman revealed that OYORUWASSA has provided 10 solar-powered boreholes  in Ona-Ara, Egbeda, and Ibarapa East Local Government Areas, particularly in primary schools and health centres.

He added that the Agency has also visited communities to educate leaders, teachers, and health workers on protecting and maintaining the boreholes for sustainable use.

In his goodwill message, The State WASH Facilitator, Mr. Sakiru Otusanya representing Mr. Monday Johnson, the WASH Specialist based in Lagos, appreciated all dignitaries present. He acknowledged the presence of officials from the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), representatives from the private sector, traditional leaders, market leaders, school authorities, and health workers.

He noted that October 15th is globally recognized as Global Hand washing Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting proper hand washing practices. This year’s theme, “Be a Hand washing Hero,” calls on everyone to champion hygiene and healthy living within their communities.

He explained that according to 2021 national data, only 8% of Oyo State residents had access to hand washing facilities. However, through the collaborative efforts of UNICEF, RUWASSA, local governments, and other partners, the state has made remarkable progress, recording 772 Open Defecation Free (ODF)-certified communities.

He also emphasized that hand washing remains a vital indicator of public health and that clean, safe water is essential for the practice, as contaminated water undermines hygiene efforts. He commended UNICEF’s continued support in promoting climate-resilient water systems and improving sanitation across Oyo State.

The Facilitator described hand washing as a simple, affordable, and effective way to prevent diseases, particularly those linked to poor sanitation. He cautioned against the habit of merely rinsing hands with water without using soap, stressing that proper hand washing must be done with clean water and soap to remove germs effectively.

He concluded by urging all community members, leaders, and health workers to continue promoting good hygiene and to remain true hand washing heroes in their various communities.

In his goodwill message, The General Manager of the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Mr. Adeduntan Adeniy, has emphasized the importance of handwashing as a vital practice for maintaining good health and preventing diseases.

Speaking during the commemoration of Global Handwashing Day on October 15th, he noted that the United Nations set aside the day to promote hygiene globally. He added that Oyo State, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde,  UNICEF and RUWASSA, joined the rest of the world to mark the day with the theme: BE A HAND WASHING HERO ”

Adeduntan urged citizens to embrace regular handwashing at critical times—before eating, after using the toilet, and before breastfeeding—stressing that it is a simple but powerful act that saves lives by preventing diseases.

Speaking on the agency’s efforts to improve water and sanitation across the state, He stated that RUWASSA, in partnership with UNICEF, has executed several projects including the construction of solar-powered boreholes and toilet facilities in schools and communities. He added that the agency recently inspected completed projects in Ona Ara, Egbeda, and Ibarapa East Local Government Areas to ensure quality and sustainability.

He reaffirmed RUWASSA’s commitment to expanding access to clean water, promoting hygiene, and supporting Oyo State’s drive to achieve the Open Defecation Free (ODF) target and other WASH goals.