Olasunkanmi ODUNTAN –
In a celebration of improved health and educational opportunities, Nestlé Nigeria PLC inaugurated water and sanitation facilities at LG Primary School, Adie Owe, in Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government of Ogun State. This initiative marks a significant step forward for the Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) program, demonstrating Nestlé’s commitment to comprehensive health education and community development.
LG Primary School is a beneficiary of N4HK, a program that focuses on four key pillars: Healthy Nutrition, Healthy Hydration, Physical Activity, and Hygiene. Recognizing the importance of hygiene and the challenges faced without proper facilities, Nestlé has invested in water and sanitation to create a holistic learning environment and improve the quality of life for the school community.
“At Nestlé, we understand that maintaining proper hygiene standards is essential for the success of our N4HK program,” said Victoria Uwadoka, Nestlé Nigeria’s Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager. “These facilities are crucial in ensuring a healthy learning environment for students and educators.”
This inauguration marks a milestone in Nestlé’s broader Ogun State initiative. “We’ve now completed and commissioned facilities in ten schools across Ogun State, serving over 4,000 students, teachers, and members of surrounding communities,” Uwadoka added.
Uwadoka further emphasized the significance of the initiative. “This project brings us closer to our goal of providing access to water in every N4HK school,” she said. “This aligns perfectly with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6) of ensuring water and sanitation accessibility for all.”
Access to clean water and sanitation is essential for health, well-being, and overall development. Issues related to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) can lead to health risks, school absenteeism, and malnutrition. As highlighted in SDG-6, ensuring universal access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene is a global priority.
With a significant portion of the Nigerian population lacking access to these basic necessities, Nestlé’s initiative serves as a commendable step towards addressing WASH challenges, fostering community health, and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria.