As part of efforts to maintain a healthy handwashing culture in schools, the Oyo state Government has provided 10 solar-powered boreholes to basic schools and health centers in Ona-Ara, Egbeda, and Ibarapa East Local Government Areas of the state .
The Chairman of Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Alhaji Babalola Afobaje made the disclosure at an event to commemorate the 2025 Global Handwashing Day.
The event, hosted in collaboration with United Nations Children Funds (UNICEF), emphasized the importance of regular hand washing for healthy living.
The annual event, themed “Be a Hand washing Hero,” brought together stakeholders from government agencies, health institutions, schools, and the private sector.
According to Afobaje, the event focused on promoting proper hand hygiene and increasing public awareness about the prevention of infectious 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.
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 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, 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, adding that 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 applauded 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.
In his remarks, the general manager of the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Mr. Adeduntan Adeniyi, emphasized the importance of hand washing as a vital practice for maintaining good health and preventing diseases.
Adeduntan admonished citizens to embrace regular hand washing 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 collaboration with UNICEF has executed several projects including the construction of solar-powered boreholes and toilet facilities in schools and communities.
