16/10/2025
Glimpses from Today’s Programme: Commemoration of the 2025 Global Handwashing Day
In a remarkable show of commitment to public health and hygiene, stakeholders converged in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, to commemorate the 2025 Global Handwashing Day under the inspiring theme “Be a Handwashing Hero.”
The event, organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in collaboration with the Yobe State Environmental Protection Agency (YOSEPA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Primary Health Care Management Board (PHCMB), and other key partners, brought together community leaders, health professionals, and residents with one shared goal to promote a culture of regular handwashing as a simple yet powerful tool to save lives.
The day’s activities began with an advocacy visit to His Excellency, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, who was ably represented by his Deputy, His Excellency, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune), who also serves as the Chairman, Yobe State Sanitation Committee.
In his address, Alh. Idi Barde Gubana commended the organizers for their dedication and reaffirmed the State Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting every initiative that enhances the health and wellbeing of Yobe citizens. He emphasized that this year’s theme is particularly relevant, as over 95% of preventable diseases can be controlled through simple hygiene practices such as proper handwashing.
The programme also featured the General Manager of the Yobe State Environmental Protection Agency (YOSEPA), San. Babagana Mohammed, who served as the Special Guest and Keynote Speaker of the occasion. In his remarks, San. Babagana Mohammed called on all Yobeans to improve both their personal and environmental hygiene, stressing the need for every household to maintain cleanliness as a daily habit. He further urged residents to keep their surroundings clean at all times, noting that good hygiene is the foundation for a healthy and progressive society.
Following the courtesy visit and keynote session, the team embarked on community sensitization exercises across ten communities and selected Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities within the Damaturu metropolis, reaching hundreds of households and health workers with life-saving messages on the importance of proper hand hygiene.
As part of the outreach, sanitary kits containing essential hygiene materials such as detergent, soap, Izal, broom, bathing soap, and handwashing basins were distributed to both communities and Primary Health Care facilities. Health officers also carried out practical demonstrations on effective handwashing techniques, emphasizing how clean hands contribute not only to personal health but also to a cleaner and safer environment.
The event was filled with enthusiasm, awareness, and renewed commitment from both the government and citizens. It served as a powerful reminder that everyone has a role to play in preventing the spread of diseases by being a true Handwashing Hero.
