The Oyo State Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Lagos Field Office have urged residents of the State to recommit to the practice of proper handwashing method. The Chairman, Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (OYORUWASSA),Mr. Babalola Afobaje stated this at an event in Okolo, Ibarapa-East Local Government to commemorate the Year 2024 Global Handwashing Day, with the theme “Why are Clean Hands still Important?”. He emphasised the life-saving importance of handwashing with soap, calling it a health necessity, that prevents the spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea and pneumonia. Afobaje noted that significant progress has been made by the government in promoting hygiene in Oyo State, through different efforts, with the support of UNICEF and other developmental partners. Afobaje therefore added that it is essential to maintain and improve handwashing practices beyond public health emergencies. He acknowledged the support of partners such as UNICEF and Sato Lixil in promoting health hygiene in Oyo State. The Chairman also called on the media to play a critical role in spreading the message of handwashing to nooks and crannies of Nigeria. “Each of us has a role to play in making handwashing a universal practice,” he said. “Handwashing with soap is an important prevention for sanitation-related diseases. It will prevent us in Oyo State, particularly Ibarapa-East local government from getting sick,” the Chairman noted. In his own words, UNICEF Water and Sanitation (WASH) Specialist, Mr. Monday Johnson stressed that Ibarapa-East local government is very key in handwashing campaign, adding that this is why the 2024 global event is celebrated in Okolo. Johnson said handwashing practice prevents disease outbreaks and reduces the impact of future pandemics. He also highlighted its role in combating pandemics and supporting efforts to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). The UNICEF Specialist acknowledged that some parts of Ibarapa-East still lack access to toilet facilities, adding that UNICEF hopes to end open defecation in Ibarapa-East local government very soon through the support of RUWASSA and Sato Lixil. He appealed to market men and women, teachers, parents and guardians to push for handwashing practices in their homes. The Director, Community Mobilisation and Hygiene Education, OYORUWASSA, Mr. Adegoke Ayodele called on parents and all stakeholders to key into the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target, which focuses on access to water and sanitation. He said parents and teachers must accelerate efforts to improve hygiene services in the State. “Help the Oyo State government amplify hygiene messages and inspire your children to take responsibility for their health and the health of others,” he said. Adegoke urged all stakeholders to take concrete actions to ensure universal hand hygiene. To commemorate the 2024 Global Handwashing Day on October 15, the Director, Environmental Health Services, Ibarapa East LGA, Mrs. Elizabeth Akintola demonstrated hand washing techniques in the presence of school pupils and parents present. The event was attended by the Vice-chairman, Ibarapa-East Local government, Hon. Olakunle Jacob, who led other members of the local government to the event. Also in attendance were the General Manager, OYORUWASSA, Mr. Mumeeni Adeduntan; Director Environmental Services, Ministry of Environment and Natural resources, Mrs. Bukola Areo; representative of Sato Lixil, Michael Adegbe; traditional rulers and residents of the town.
