Abuja: The Principal of Federal Government Boy’s College (FGBC), Abuja, Mr. Joshua Ogunshina, has urged students to embrace good hygiene practices and become agents of positive change in society. Ogunshina made the call on Tuesday during the commemoration of the 2026 Day of the African Child.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event was organised in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners, under the theme: ‘Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa.’ Ogunshina emphasized the celebration’s aim to draw attention to the challenges facing African children, such as insecurity and limited access to basic services. He highlighted the issues of banditry and insurgency that particularly affect children in schools.
The principal stressed the importance of water, sanitation, and hygiene in preventing diseases and improving the well-being of children. He advised students to develop healthy habits like regular handwashing, using clean utensils, and maintaining proper personal hygiene. Ogunshina also reminded the students that the Day of the African Child commemorates the struggle of children in Soweto, South Africa, for access to quality education. He encouraged them to contribute to nation-building and address social challenges in the country.
Additionally, Assistant Vice Principal (Students’ Affairs), Mrs. Oby Ezielo, delivered a lecture on the theme, emphasizing the role children could play in improving hygiene. She urged students to wash their hands regularly, keep their clothes and surroundings clean, and use clean utensils. Ezielo also stressed the importance of education, noting that it empowers children to understand their rights and contribute positively to society. She encouraged students to maintain a clean school environment, describing sanitation as a collective responsibility.
Dr. Chinwe Ogbuka, Executive Director of De-Prime Initiative for Advancement of Civil Liberty and Civic Duty, highlighted the significance of this year’s theme in encouraging children to adopt healthy habits and maintain clean environments. She called on civil society organisations to support government efforts in providing essential services for children, noting that government alone could not meet all the needs of schools and communities.
The celebration concluded with cultural dance performances and exhibitions of traditional dishes from the six geopolitical zones.