In commemoration of the 2025 Global Handwashing Day, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in partnership with the Oyo State Government celebrated the annual event within Ona Ara Local Government Area and Inukan Local Council Development Area (LCDA). The celebration focused on promoting awareness about the importance of regular and proper handwashing with soap under running water — a simple yet powerful tool to prevent diseases and foster healthy living.
Freshvoice Newsmedia reports that the activities began at Amuloko Market, where community members were sensitized on the significance of washing hands at critical times — before eating, after using the toilet, after handling waste, or touching animals. Demonstrations were conducted to teach the correct steps of handwashing using soap and clean running water.
The sensitization train later moved to Christ Anglican Primary Schools 1 and 2, Amuloko, Ibadan, where an engaging and interactive session was held for pupils. The children participated enthusiastically in hygiene-centered activities designed to instill lifelong healthy habits in a fun and educational way.
The event was graced by several dignitaries and community stakeholders, including the Executive Chairman of Ona Ara Local Government, Dr. Kolapo Temitope Glorious, and his wife, Mrs. Olubunmi Kolapo, who led the sensitization session for the pupils.
Also in attendance were: Mrs. Abolade Abiodun, Wife of the Leader of the House, Ona Ara LG; Alhaja Mujidat Ojewunmi, Head of Local Government Administration, Ona Ara LG; Alhaji Bello Kazeem, Acting HLGA, Inukan LCDA; San. Dr. (Mrs.) Rasidat Omowunmi Popoola, WASH Coordinator, Ona Ara LG; San. Bunmi Layinka, Acting Director of Sanitation; Directors – Finance, Mr Oyeniran Amos, Administration, Mr Olanrewaju Olatunbosun, Budget, Mrs Kareem Hassanat, Education, Alhaja Akande Adenike, Head of Estate, Mr Adeosun Olanrewaju, Information Officer, Kafaya Olagunju.
Traditional Leaders and Community Representatives; Representatives of the League of Imams and Alfas and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ona Ara Chapter; Youth and Women Groups; Frontline Health Workers from Seminbio Health Centre; Representatives of ACCOMORAN; Members of the Media; Mr. Oladiipo John Olugbade, Headmaster, Christ Anglican Primary School; and Mrs. Olagoke Oluyinka Felicia, Headmistress, Christ Anglican Primary School.
In her remarks, Mrs. Olubunmi Kolapo emphasized the importance of maintaining clean hands to prevent communicable diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and COVID-19. She encouraged the pupils to serve as hygiene ambassadors in their homes and communities.
Live demonstrations of proper handwashing techniques were conducted for both market participants and school pupils. Community stakeholders pledged to sustain hygiene education efforts within their various communities and institutions. The media also provided coverage to ensure widespread dissemination of hygiene promotion messages.
The Global Handwashing Day celebration in Ona Ara once again underscored the local government’s commitment, under the leadership of Dr. Kolapo Temitope Glorious, to promoting public health, sanitation, and community wellbeing in partnership with UNICEF and the Oyo State Government.
For pictures of the event: Click the link
