By Victor Okoye
The Centre for School Health Education and Environmental Hygiene (CSHEEH) on Friday marked the 2025 Global Handwashing Day in Kuje, Abuja.
The event, which held at Peace International Ambassador School featured community sensitisation, health talks, and the recognition of local hygiene heroes.
CSHEEH Executive Director, Dr Folasade Momoh, said the theme, “Be a Handwashing Hero,” encourages individuals to promote clean hand habits.
She said handwashing with soap remains one of the most effective ways to prevent illness and save lives.
“The theme urges everyone to champion hand hygiene in schools, communities, and workplaces,” she said.
Momoh said selected pupils and community members were honoured as handwashing heroes.
“They are expected to lead by example, educate others and support hygiene initiatives,” she added.
She thanked the school management and event sponsors for their support.
In her remarks, the school proprietress, Pastor Gloria Attah, said the event was a reminder of the life-saving value of handwashing.
“True heroes are those who make safe choices like washing their hands. Clean hands save lives,” she said.
She commended CSHEEH for selecting the school and reaffirmed her commitment to children’s health.
Traditional rulers, community leaders, and parents were also in attendance.
The FCT Director of Public Health, Dr Dan Gadzama, was represented by Hajia Hauwa Suleiman, Head of the Health Promotion Division.
Suleiman said handwashing was a simple daily habit with a powerful health impact.
“It is the cornerstone of public health and key to disease prevention,” she said.
She urged the public to adopt regular handwashing as a lifestyle.
“Clean hands help us stay healthy and protect our future,” she added.
Suleiman thanked the Director for supporting the division’s participation at the event.
Some individuals were honoured for their contributions to promoting hygiene.
They include Dr Gbenga Eweoya, Medical Director of Agape Biomedical Clinic, and Hajiya Salamatu Abdu Sabo, the wife of the Kuje Area Council Chairman, and founder, 7th June Youth and Women Empowerment and Education Initiative.
Pupils Emmanuela Ugwu and Farouk Husseini were decorated as global handwashing ambassadors.
NAN reports that the event featured health talks, handwashing demonstrations, and donations of hygiene products.
Five schools participated, including Blossom Educational School, Laura Basic Academy, Goshield International School, Joshgar International Academy, and Peace International Ambassador School. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
