The Safe Hands Foundation has called for urgent investment in water and hygiene facilities in public schools across Rivers State, citing the lack of running water in some institutions.

The foundation’s founder, Dr Okolie Okechukwu, made the call on Thursday during a workshop in Port Harcourt to commemorate the 2026 Global Handwashing Day, themed “Be a Handwashing Hero.”

Okechukwu also announced the launch of the foundation’s water access project, which aims to provide running water for handwashing and other hygiene practices in schools across Port Harcourt and other parts of the state.

He said the organisation would collaborate with government agencies, private individuals and corporate bodies to improve access to potable water and promote proper hygiene among students.

According to him, some schools could restore their water supply with relatively modest repairs, but the necessary interventions had yet to be made.

He cited leaking water tanks, inadequate electricity supply to operate pumping machines and damaged pumping equipment as some of the challenges affecting water access in public schools.

Okechukwu estimated that between N200,000 and N500,000 could be sufficient to resolve water supply problems in some schools, adding that the foundation intended to intervene and help provide children with access to water.

He described handwashing as an essential measure for preventing infections and diseases, urging participants to apply the lessons from the workshop in their schools, homes and communities.

The foundation’s founder also called on government institutions, educational authorities, civil society groups, corporate organisations and community leaders to work together to improve hygiene infrastructure and education across Rivers State.

He encouraged students and young people to promote proper handwashing among their peers and make the practice a regular part of everyday life.

Also speaking at the event, a community leader, Sir Ben Ike, urged participants to adopt proper handwashing habits to reduce their exposure to germs and prevent illnesses.

Ike emphasised the importance of washing hands thoroughly before eating, encouraging attendees to put the knowledge gained at the workshop into practice.

Similarly, a guest lecturer, Professor Golda Ekenedo, called on stakeholders to strengthen public awareness and advocacy for proper handwashing and hygiene.

She made the appeal while delivering a paper titled “Skills-Based Advocacy for Handwashing.”