By Oluwabukola Akanni
Ibadan – The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Oyo State has urged Gov. Seyi Makinde to urgently reintroduce hand washing in schools and public places as safety measure against the corona virus.
The association made the call in a statement issued on Saturday in Ibadan by the state’s Chairperson, Jadesola Ajibola.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Ministry of Health had on Friday confirmed the first case of the viral disease also known as COVID-19 that had been ravaging many countries since December 2019.
Ajibola, who identified children as the most vulnerable, appealed to the Ministries of Health and Education to provide handwashing facilities in public schools while initiating a sensitisation campaign on the importance of hand washing against viral diseases.
According to her, parents, teachers and caregivers should also be educated on safety measures for children against corona virus.
“There is no doubt that corona virus has become a global challenge facing us all but everyone who has regular contact with children should take precautionary measures for the safety of all.
“We will agree that women and children are the most vulnerable in the society and can easily contact any infection or disease if precautionary and preventive measures are not taken.
“In addition to the schools, it has also become very important for government to mandate the use of sanitisers and washing of hands at motor parks.
“Parents and caregivers are also urged follow the guidelines of the World Health Organisation in order to protect the children,” she said.
The association further urged residents to report any suspected case to the appropriate quarters.
“We are also appealing to the Ministry of Health to provide a helpline for residents to call and also make available designated ambulances at strategic locations to transport suspected cases.
“His Excellency, Gov. Seyi Makinde, is a listening father and we believe that it is doable.
“We believe that when these are done, we may tame the spread of any case of corona virus in Oyo State,” she stated.
(NAN)