The Executive Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government, Hon. Kazeem Owolabi Arogundade has expressed his deep appreciation to UNICEF for considering Ibarapa East Local Government as one of the local areas for the commemoration of 2025 hand washing day.
This year Handwashing Day was marked in grand style in Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State as the UNICEF Lagos Field Office partnered with the Ibarapa East Local Government Council to promote the importance of proper hand hygiene as a means of preventing diseases and improving community health.
The event held at Isaba Primary School, Eruwa, brought together community leaders, school children, health workers, political Functionaries and representatives from the National Orientation Agency where the proper mode of hand washing was demonstrated.
This year’s global theme, “BE A HANDWASHING HERO,” underscored the need for collective efforts to make handwashing facilities and practices accessible to all.
“Today’s event is a timely reminder that something as simple as handwashing with soap can save millions of lives,” the chairman said. “Our administration under the Leadership of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde is committed to ensuring that every household, school, and public places in Ibarapa East have access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities. “We will continue to support all initiatives that promote healthy living and prevent disease outbreaks.”
Hon. Arogundade therefore encouraged residents to adopt regular handwashing habits, especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after handling waste, describing the practice as a simple but powerful way to stay healthy.
In her address, the Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mrs Oseni Faderera, commended the local government under the leadership of Hon. Kazeem Owolabi Arogundade for the active participation and community mobilisation. She noted that hand hygiene is a key component of UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programme, aimed at reducing preventable diseases among children and vulnerable populations.
The celebration featured health talks, practical handwashing demonstrations, and school outreach sessions, where pupils from selected primary and secondary schools showcased songs, drama, and poems highlighting the benefits of clean hands. Health officers also conducted free demonstrations of the seven-step handwashing technique, emphasising its role in breaking the chain of infection.
Community leaders and youth representatives who attended the event commended the initiative and pledged to continue spreading the message of hygiene within their communities.
The event concluded with a symbolic group handwashing exercise, led by the Local Government Chairman, health officials, and participating pupils, as a demonstration of unity in promoting hygiene and healthy living across Ibarapa East.
“When our hands are clean, our future is brighter,” the chairman remarked as the ceremony drew to a close.
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