The government of Oyo State, in collaboration with UNICEF Lagos Field Office, has emphasized the importance of proper handwashing practices to the residents of the state. The Chairman of Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Mr. Babalola Afobaje, highlighted the significance of handwashing with soap in preventing diseases like cholera, diarrhea, and pneumonia during the 2024 Global Handwashing Day event in Okolo, Ibarapa-East Local Government Area.
Mr. Afobaje mentioned the efforts made by the government, with support from UNICEF and other partners, to promote hygiene in the state. He stressed the need to sustain and enhance handwashing practices beyond public health emergencies. He also called on the media to help spread the message of handwashing across Nigeria.
UNICEF’s Water and Sanitation Specialist, Mr. Monday Johnson, emphasized the crucial role of handwashing in preventing disease outbreaks and reducing the impact of future pandemics. He also addressed the issue of inadequate toilet facilities in some parts of Ibarapa-East, expressing hope that UNICEF, RUWASSA, and Sato Lixil would eradicate open defecation in the area.
Various stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and community leaders, were urged to promote handwashing practices in households and schools. Efforts to improve hygiene services in Oyo State were encouraged to align with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Director of Environmental Health Services in Ibarapa East LGA, Mrs. Elizabeth Akintola, demonstrated handwashing techniques to school pupils and parents at the event marking the Global Handwashing Day. The occasion was attended by local government officials, representatives from OYORUWASSA, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Sato Lixil, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries.