The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has directed businesses beneath his ministry to intensify public schooling on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
According to an announcement issued by the minister’s Media Aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, the businesses embrace the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
Others are the Voice of Nigeria (VON) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) had confirmed a case of Ebola involving a lady who lately travelled to Abuja from Uganda.
The lady is in isolation and receiving therapy, whereas well being authorities have recognized her contacts and are monitoring them.
The minister stated: “The Federal Government is taking each vital step to comprise this case and defend Nigerians. Accurate and well timed data is one among our strongest defences.
“Our agencies must reach every community, in every language, with clear facts on how Ebola spreads, how to protect ourselves and where to report suspected cases.”
Idris directed the businesses to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NCDC to guarantee all public data is verified and evidence-based.
He additionally tasked the NOA with deploying its nationwide workplaces for grassroots sensitisation, in collaboration with conventional and spiritual leaders, group teams and the media.
The minister urged Nigerians to stay calm, depend on official data and keep away from spreading unverified claims on social media.
He suggested members of the general public to report suspected circumstances instantly by calling the NCDC’s toll-free, 24-hour emergency line on 6232. (NAN)
