Students across Nigeria have been urged to adopt proper hygiene practices as a foundation for healthy living and academic success, with emphasis on regular bathing, proper menstrual care, and maintaining clean environments.
This formed the focus of a hygiene advocacy by the Rotary Club of Lekki Golden during its outreach to primary and secondary schools in Lagos as part of activities marking WASH Month (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene).
Addressing students at Badore Community Primary and High School in Eti-Osa, the President of the club, Mrs. Christiana Okenla, stressed the importance of personal cleanliness and menstrual hygiene, particularly for young girls.
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“Some girls do not fully understand how to manage their menstrual cycle, and this can lead to discomfort and poor hygiene. We are here to educate and support them. We want every student here to be confident, and that confidence starts with being clean and maintaining proper hygiene at all times,” she said.
The Club President stated that hygiene plays a critical role in overall well-being.
“You cannot enjoy good health without proper hygiene. When you keep yourself clean, you prevent infections, avoid body odour, and feel better about yourself,” she noted.
Also speaking, the Immediate Past President of the club, Rotarian Frank Adu, advised both boys and girls to take personal hygiene seriously.
“As students, you must bathe regularly, keep your hair and nails clean, and take your personal hygiene seriously. For the boys, ensure proper bathing and use deodorants. For the girls, change your sanitary pads regularly during menstruation. These simple habits will help you stay healthy and confident,” he said.
The outreach also featured the distribution of essential hygiene and educational materials, including mathematical sets, writing materials, sanitary pads, roll-on deodorants, hand sanitizers, hand wash, and other cleaning agents aimed at promoting a clean learning environment.
In addition, the club established a well-equipped sick bay with beds and a fully stocked first aid kit to support students’ health needs, in collaboration with NBO Foundation.
Mrs. Okenla further called on school authorities to sustain the initiative.
“This should not end here. The school must ensure that these students continue to practice what they have learned. A clean environment promotes better learning and healthier living,” she added.