Dettol Nigeria, in partnership with the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), has launched Phase 3 of the Dettol Hygiene Quest, an ambitious initiative designed to promote hygiene education and healthy living practices among children, mothers, and communities across Nigeria.
The latest phase of the programme aims to reach more than 840,000 beneficiaries in 2026 through a series of school-based, community, and healthcare interventions.
-
Phase 3 of the Dettol Hygiene Quest aims to reach over 840,000 beneficiaries in 2026.
-
The programme will target more than 750,000 students and 90,000 pregnant and new mothers nationwide.
The official launch took place at Eko Akete Junior Secondary School on Lagos Island, where students participated in practical handwashing demonstrations and interactive hygiene education sessions.
The event also featured the distribution of Dettol antibacterial soaps and educational materials aimed at encouraging proper hygiene habits among young people.
The Dettol Hygiene Quest is implemented under the broader Clean Naija Initiative, a long-term campaign focused on improving hygiene awareness and handwashing practices among schoolchildren across the country.
The initiative has set a target of reaching six million schoolchildren by 2030 while working to increase handwashing rates, reduce cases of diarrhoea, and lower school absenteeism linked to hygiene-related illnesses.
Since its introduction, the programme has recorded significant milestones. Organisers revealed that more than 440,000 beneficiaries have been reached through activities conducted in 716 schools, 36 healthcare facilities, and 456 communities nationwide.
The programme continues to promote handwashing, cleanliness, and healthy living practices among children, mothers, families, and community members.
Building on the successes recorded in previous phases, the third phase is expected to expand into additional locations while strengthening its impact in underserved communities where hygiene education remains a pressing need.
Through behavioural change programmes and awareness campaigns, organisers hope to establish sustainable hygiene practices that can contribute to better health outcomes.
The initiative will also continue promoting awareness around proper handwashing and the use of trusted hygiene products. Through school engagements, healthcare outreach programmes, and community-based activities, the campaign seeks to equip families with practical knowledge that can help prevent hygiene-related illnesses.
Speaking during the launch, Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh, Head of External Affairs, Media and Partnerships at Reckitt, represented by Brand Manager Toluwase Abikoye, highlighted the importance of introducing healthy habits to children at an early age.
“At Reckitt, we understand that when children learn healthy habits early, those habits can create a lasting impact far beyond the classroom. That is why programmes like the Dettol Hygiene Quest remain important to us,” she said.
She noted that independent evaluations conducted during Phase 2 showed encouraging results in participating states. According to her, reported cases of communicable disease symptoms among students declined by 9.3 per cent in Abuja, 12.3 per cent in Lagos, and 15.7 percentage points in Kwara. These improvements were accompanied by reductions in school absenteeism associated with illness.
“As we commence Phase 3 of the programme, we remain committed to empowering even more children and families with the knowledge they need to lead healthier lives,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Princess Toyin Ojora Saraki, represented by Dr. Osinachi Onyeoziri, stressed the connection between health and educational success.
“The future of Nigeria depends on children, their health, education, confidence, and ability to grow into responsible leaders. But for this to happen, staying healthy matters,” she said. She added that healthy children are better positioned to learn, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to society, noting that the foundation remains committed to improving health, wellbeing, education, and hygiene outcomes for women, children, and families nationwide.
As the launch ceremony concluded, students left with practical lessons on personal hygiene and handwashing, alongside a renewed commitment to promoting healthy habits within their schools and communities.
Also Read: Qing Madi Accuses Former Manager of Forgery and Sabotage as Songs Vanish from Spotify
With its expanded reach and renewed focus on behavioural change, the Dettol Hygiene Quest is expected to play a key role in advancing hygiene awareness across Nigeria while helping to build healthier and more resilient communities.
