Excitement as group provides water, sanitation facilities in Ogun

By Damiete Braide

Access to clean water and proper sanitation is vital for the well-being of learners, educators and communities. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6, emphasizing the importance of water and sanitation for all.
In the heart of Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, joy reverberated through LG Primary School, Adie Owe, as Nestlé Nigeria unveiled a new chapter of wellness. The inauguration of water and sanitation facilities orchestrated by the company brought relief and jubilation to over 500 people, encompassing educators, learners, and families in the community.
At the core of this transformative endeavour was Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK), a robust school-based nutrition and health education programme. The N4HK, with its pillars of healthy nutrition, healthy hydration, physical activity and hygiene, aimed to fortify the foundation of well-being for the children. LG Primary School Adie Owe is a beneficiary of this initiative.
Recognizing the formidable challenge of upholding hygiene standards without fundamental water and sanitation infrastructure, Nestlé extended its support. In the quiet town of Adie Owe, this investment underscored a broader commitment to comprehensive health education, elevating the quality of life for all.
Victoria Uwadoka, Nestlé Nigeria’s Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, expressed the company’s dedication at the inaugural event. She highlighted the imperative role of water and sanitation facilities, not only in fostering hygiene but also as a testament to the company’s commitment to community well-being. Across Ogun State, 10 schools, serving 4,000 learners and educators, witnessed the fruition of the company’s pledge.
The commissioning ceremony held a significance, aligning with the company’s pursuit of making water accessibility a reality for every school under the N4HK programme. Uwadoka emphasized the resonance with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6), echoing the global call for ensuring water and sanitation sustainability.
The commissioner of education, science, and technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, lauded Nestlé’s collaboration with the Ogun State Government. Represented by Mrs. Adedotun Ogunleye, the zonal education officer for Ado Odo Ota, he acknowledged the company’s noble initiative in providing essential facilities for public schools. The partnership, he noted, contributed to fostering a conducive and sustainable educational environment.
Darasinmi Agunbiade, a primary 5 learner at LG Primary School, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the transformative change. No longer burdened by long treks for water, the separate facilities for girls and boys provided a tangible manifestation of Nestlé’s commitment. Darasinmi thanked the company for making hygiene lessons from N4HK classes more accessible.
The board chairperson of Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Femi Majekodunmi, through Isiaka Aderohunmu, Permanent Member 2, Ogun SUBEB, acknowledged the company’s enduring commitment to healthy kids. He highlighted the positive impact on learners and teachers across the state.
In February 2024, the company expanded its legacy, handing over a water and sanitation facility at Wesley School 2, Sagamu, Ogun State. This marked the 20th such facility across the nation, a testament to its unwavering dedication.
The narrative delves beyond the commissioning event, emphasizing the global imperative outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.