Nigeria has joined other African countries to commemorate the 2026 Day of the African Child, with stakeholders stressing the need for students to adopt good hygiene practices and become agents of positive change in society.
Speaking on the theme of the event, the Assistant Vice Principal, Students’ Affairs, Federal Government College, Wuye, Abuja, Mrs. Oby Ezielo, said children have a critical role to play in promoting hygiene by maintaining cleanliness in their personal lives and surroundings.
She also emphasised the importance of keeping the school environment clean, describing sanitation as a collective responsibility.
Earlier, the Principal of Federal Government College, Wuye, Mr. Joshua Ogunshina, said the celebration was aimed at drawing attention to the challenges facing African children, including insecurity and limited access to essential services.
He noted that issues such as banditry and insurgency continue to affect children, particularly those in school, and called for sustained efforts to safeguard their welfare and future.
Other speakers at the event, including the Executive Director of De-Prime Initiative for the Advancement of Civil Liberty and Civic Duty, Dr. Chinwe Ogbuka, called on non-governmental organisations to complement government efforts in providing water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools.
They stressed that improved access to these basic services is essential for children’s health, well-being and academic development.
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The event was themed: “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa.”
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