19 October 2026. The Rural Women Energy Security Initiative Nigeria (RUWES) took part in the 2026 Global Handwashing Day celebration, organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment at Police Day Secondary School, Area 11, Abuja. Held under the theme “BE A HANDWASHING HERO,” the event brought together government agencies, partners including IFRC and Nestlé Pure Life, professional bodies, teachers and students.
Speaking for RUWES, Head of the Secretariat Mrs. Jumaima Ella described the organisation as a women-led initiative working to enlighten and empower over 2 million women across Nigeria. She stressed that handwashing is especially important at the rural level, where disease spreads quickly and hygiene practice is very minimal. She called for the message to go beyond the day and be carried into rural communities in the coming year.
The programme featured a live handwashing demonstration, a spoken-word performance, a student debate on soap versus sanitizer, a health talk by FEMWASH, and a palm-print pledge by students. A handwashing facility was also provided for the host school.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Salihu Aminu Usman on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Environment, who was unavoidably absent and sent warm greetings. He said heroism is measured by the lives protected through everyday choices, and that handwashing is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to prevent cholera, typhoid, diphtheria, Lassa fever and other infectious diseases. He stressed that awareness must be matched by access, with handwashing facilities that are available, functional and well maintained in homes, schools, workplaces and health facilities, including low-cost options such as tippy taps. He urged students to use school clubs and social media to spread the habit, and called on all tiers of government, the private sector, civil society and community leaders to work together.
