Prof Utsev Urges Nigerians To Be Handwashing Heroes, As FG Set To Hold 2026 Handwashing Day Commemoration

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has announced activities to mark the 2026 Global Handwashing Day, with a call on Nigerians to make handwashing with soap a daily habit and social norm.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, addressed a media briefing in Abuja ahead of the Day observed annually on October 15.

This year's theme is "Be a Handwashing Hero!"

Utsev said the theme is a call to action, reminding every citizen that being a hero requires no extra-ordinary powers, only commitment to wash hands with soap and water at critical times and to encourage others to do the same.

He said handwashing with soap remains one of the most effective and affordable public health interventions, preventing diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, respiratory infections, and serving as first line of defence during outbreaks such as diphtheria, cholera and COVID-19.

"Achieving sustained improvements requires more than awareness. It requires access to appropriate facilities, availability of soap and water, supportive policies, effective behavioural change interventions and consistent practice at household, institutional and community levels," the Minister said.

He noted that accelerating access to hygiene services is critical to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6.2, which is measured by availability of handwashing facilities with soap and water on premises.

According to Utsev, the National Task Group on Sanitation and partners have lined up several activities:

Media and Public Awareness Campaign — intensified engagements across electronic, print and social media;

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Road-walk — stakeholders, youth, community members and partners to publicly demonstrate commitment to handwashing;

Main National Commemoration — October 15, 2026 at Kwali Area Council, Abuja, bringing together government, development partners, civil society, private sector, schools, communities and the media, featuring showcase of hygiene interventions and symbolic handwashing by dignitaries;

Community and Institutional Sensitization — advocacy in markets, public places and communities where improved hygiene can significantly curb disease.

The Minister appreciated development partners, state governments, CSOs and private sector for their support, and emphasized the strategic role of the media in changing behaviour and shaping public opinion.

He urged the media to give prominence to hand hygiene messages before, during and after the commemoration, stressing: "Washing hands with soap and water at critical times saves lives."

"A healthier Nigeria begins with clean hands. Let us all rise to the challenge and Be Handwashing Heroes — not only on Global Handwashing Day, but every day," Prof. Utsev added.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr Ali Ibrahim, said despite growing awareness, challenges remain in ensuring consistent practice at critical times, requiring sustained education, functional facilities, and active participation of all stakeholders.

Represented by Director of Water Quality Control, Jamilu Abu, he reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment, through the National Task Group on Sanitation and Department of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, to promote improved hygiene practices nationwide, and called on media platforms to mobilise households, schools, health facilities and workplaces to embrace the theme.