Sterling One Foundation has partnered Self Help Africa on WASH Campaign and Innovation Challenge by empowering National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members as WASH advocates in Lagos State.
Mrs Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO Sterling One Foundation, said this in a goodwill message to mark the culmination of Hand Washing Day at the NYSC orientation camp in Lagos.
Ibekwe said that the partnership reflects the foundations deep commitment to advancing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices as essential pillars of sustainable development in Nigeria.
Ibekwe said that Clean hands represent one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to break the cycle of disease and poverty.
“As we commemorate the Global Handwashing Day 2024, we
are reminded that over 1.5 million children globally still lose their lives annually to preventable diseases like diarrhoea and pneumonia, many of which could be averted through the simplest act of handwashing with soap.
“This year’s theme, “Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?”, highlights the urgent need to address hygiene challenges, particularly in Nigeria, where over 70 million people lack access to basic handwashing facilities.
According to her, poor hygiene not only endangers health but also affects school attendance, economic productivity, and community resilience.
“Our partnership with Self Help Africa reinforces our dedication to addressing these challenges.
“By engaging thousands of NYSC members as WASH Ambassadors, we are
equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and tools to champion sustainable WASH solutions in schools, homes, and communities.
“These efforts align with the Federal Government’s National Action Plan for the Revitalization of Nigeria’s Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (2019–2030), as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6), aimed at ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation.
“Through the WASH Innovation Challenge, our support for the grand prize
demonstrates our belief in the power of youth-driven innovation.
“By recognizing and rewarding outstanding solutions, we aim to inspire young leaders to create impactful, scalable change that contributes to breaking the cycle of waterborne diseases and building resilient communities.
“To the NYSC members serving as WASH Ambassadors, your role is vital. As young leaders, you have the opportunity to inspire change and transform simple practices like handwashing into lasting cultural norms.
“By championing this cause, you are directly contributing to healthier communities and a brighter future for Nigeria.
“At Sterling One Foundation, our mission goes beyond interventions to systemic change.
“We are committed to ensuring that no child misses school due to preventable illnesses; that families thrive in clean environments, and that the cycle of disease and poverty is permanently disrupted.
“Clean hands save lives, and through collaborative action, we can create a healthier, more equitable future for all Nigerians.
“Together, let us commit to making hand hygiene a daily habit and investing in the health, dignity, and prosperity of our communities”, she concluded.
