Thirty Environmental Health Officers across five Lagos LCDAs have received specialized training on hygiene behavior change aimed at promoting cleaner and healthier communities across the state.
The two-day training, held in Ikeja on May 12 and 13, 2026, was organized by WaterAid Nigeria with funding support from DP World.
Participants were drawn from Ikeja, Kosofe, Onigbongbo, Ikosi-Isheri, and Agboyi-Ketu council areas.
Speaking during the workshop, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Manager at WaterAid Nigeria, Mr. Dare Oduluyi, said the programme was designed to equip Environmental Health Officers with the skills needed to educate residents on proper hygiene practices and support Lagos State’s goal of becoming open defecation-free by 2030 in line with Sustainable Development Goal Six.
Oduluyi explained that the initiative focuses on strengthening sanitation and hygiene promotion at the grassroots level through behaviour-centered approaches.
He highlighted six major hygiene practices promoted during the training, including regular hand washing with soap under running water, safe drinking water, proper toilet use and cleanliness, food hygiene, menstrual hygiene, and effective waste disposal.
Representing the Lagos State Ministry of Health, State Health Educator Mrs. Esther Samuel commended WaterAid Nigeria for supporting government efforts in reducing communicable diseases through community health education and capacity building.
WaterAid Nigeria’s Safeguarding Focal Person in Lagos, Mrs. Grace Uwadiale, also stressed the importance of protecting vulnerable groups from abuse and neglect.
She noted that the organisation maintains zero tolerance for safeguarding violations and encouraged victims to speak out and seek support.
Participants were further trained on practical facilitation methods using interactive games such as Hot Potatoes, Snake and Ladder, Suwe, and “Face of an Ideal Child” to demonstrate hygiene behaviour change strategies at the community level.
The Environmental Health Officers appreciated the initiative, describing the training as impactful and beneficial to their public health sensitization duties.
Officials from the Office of Environmental Services under the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources also attended the programme as part of efforts to strengthen sanitation and hygiene practices across the state.
WaterAid has also overseen the integration of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene services into 55 public primary and secondary schools, including three special schools, across Ojodu, Ikorodu North, Igando-Ikotun, Onigbongbo, Orile-Agege LCDAs, and Mushin LGA.
Written by Yemisi Dada