By Emmanuel Ita
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSSA) has commemorated the 2025 Global Handwashing Day, issuing a call for students to become advocates of hygiene in their schools and communities.
The event, held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Government Science Secondary School, Ikot Effanga Mkpa, Calabar Municipality, was themed “Be a Handwashing Hero!” and brought together students, teachers, government officials, and development partners.
Delivering the keynote address, the General Manager of RUWATSSA, Hon Sunday Oko, underscored the importance of regular handwashing as a simple yet powerful practice to prevent diseases.
The General Manager of RUWATSSA emphasised the importance of maintaining personal hygiene, stating that “health is wealth.”
Ferdinand Anok, a Policy, Governance and Institutional Strengthening Professional with Self Help Africa (SHA), partner of the State, maintained that “We are always excited to identify with the State. Today is not a speech-making day; my colleagues and I are here to show our support. And ensure we further demonstrate our commitment to ensuring sustainable water and sanitation hygiene in the state.”
Earlier, after opening, the celebration received a welcome remark from Mr Bassey Ebit, Project Manager at RUWATSSA, who reminded participants of the significance of the day. He explained that while Global Handwashing Day is globally observed on October 15, the state’s commemoration was held a week later to better engage local schools.
He also demonstrated the proper handwashing steps — wetting the palms, applying soap, scrubbing between the fingers and wrists, rinsing under running water, and air-drying — urging students to make it a daily habit.
READ ALSO: Apostolic Secondary Grammar School Ugep launches anti-drug, bullying and cultism club
As part of the activities, RUWATSSA presented handwashing stations to both the primary and secondary sections of the school to promote sustainable hygiene practices. Selected students also participated in a practical handwashing demonstration alongside the General Manager and other dignitaries.
In her vote of thanks, the Vice Principal Academics of the school, Mrs Ike Elemi, expressed gratitude to RUWATSSA for choosing the school as the venue, assuring that the handwashing station would be centrally positioned for students’ daily use.
The event was organised by RUWATSSA in collaboration with Self Help Africa and other partners, reinforcing the global campaign to promote proper hand hygiene and reduce the spread of infections.
