By Eunice Orike
The Dettol Hygiene Quest (DHQ) Programme, organised by the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) in partnership with Reckitt–Dettol Nigeria, has recorded remarkable progress in promoting hygiene education and sanitation across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reaching over 120 schools, 120 communities, and 12 healthcare facilities.
The milestone was announced during the FCT closeout event of the programme, held at the First Forty Hotel, Abuja, which brought together government officials, development partners, school representatives, and community leaders to review the achievements of the initiative and renew commitments toward strengthening water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices across the territory.
The meeting provided a platform to showcase the programme’s impact on hygiene education, infection prevention and control (IPC), and behavioural change at the grassroots level.
In his opening remarks on behalf of Mr. Rasheed Yusuf, WBFA’s Director of Public Policy, Partnerships and Innovation, Mr. Nathaniel Nyihemba, the Foundation’s Grant Accountant, said the DHQ Programme has made significant contributions across Kwara, Lagos, and the FCT.
He described the collaboration between WBFA and Reckitt–Dettol Nigeria as a model for sustainable hygiene interventions that align with national health and sanitation goals.
Presenting the impact report,the FCT state programme lead, Mr. Kelvin Agagbe, said the DHQ Programme had reached 82,580 students in 120 schools, 14,249 individuals in 120 communities, and 29,804 beneficiaries in 12 healthcare facilities.
He explained that these figures highlight the effectiveness of the initiative in improving health literacy, hygiene behaviour, and WASH standards across the FCT.
In his goodwill message, special adviser on strategy to the chairman of the universal basic education board, Elder George Ugwunna, praised the initiative for its far-reaching benefits.
“The Hygiene Quest Programme has not only educated our pupils but has inspired a generational change in hygiene behaviour across schools. The Board is proud to see this initiative strengthening the foundation of health and learning in the education system,” he said.
Representing the Minister of Environment, deputy director of sanitation, Mr. Azeez Jimoh, commended the WBFA–Reckitt partnership, describing it as a vital contribution to national efforts to promote environmental health.
“The Federal Ministry of Environment applauds this impactful collaboration that aligns with our national sanitation policy. By empowering communities and schools with practical hygiene knowledge, the Dettol Hygiene Quest Programme contributes directly to reducing disease burden and promoting environmental health nationwide,” he said.
Similarly, Chief scientific officer at the federal ministry of water resources and sanitation, Mrs. Ukaegbu Berthy, who represented the Minister, lauded the DHQ Programme’s synergy with the government’s Clean Naija Initiative.
“The Dettol Hygiene Quest complements our national agenda to strengthen WASH systems and end open defecation. This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration between the private sector and government in achieving a cleaner, healthier Nigeria,” she said.
Adding a community perspective, District head of Galadimawa Alhaji Musa Barde, expressed appreciation for the programme’s impact at the grassroots.
“Our community has witnessed a real change in hygiene attitudes. Mothers, children, and households now understand the importance of proper handwashing and sanitation, all thank to our doorstep,” he said.
As part of its continued commitment to maternal and child health, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa donated essential equipment , including baby weighing scales, digital sphygmomanometers, Veronica buckets, and other WASH materials to healthcare facilities within the FCT.
The event also featured the FCT State Finals of the DHQ Spelling Bee Competition, which celebrated the enthusiasm of young hygiene champions. Zibah Model School won the primary category, while JSS PW Kubwa clinched the secondary category.
Both schools will represent the FCT at the upcoming National Closeout Event in Lagos.
However, the WBFA reaffirmed its dedication to building healthier communities through continuous WASH education, maternal health advocacy, and cross-sector partnerships.
The Foundation emphasised that the Dettol Hygiene Quest Programme remains a cornerstone of its mission to ensure every child, mother, and family thrives in a clean, safe, and healthy environment where good hygiene is not just taught, but lived.
