The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Oyo State Chapter, South-West Nigeria, has urged Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently reintroduce handwashing 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, the state capital, by the state’s Chairperson, Jadesola Ajibola.
The Federal Ministry of Health had on Friday confirmed the first case of the COVID-19.
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 sensitization campaign on the importance of hand-washing against viral diseases.
“Parents, teachers and caregivers should also be educated on safety measures for children against coronavirus.
“There is no doubt that coronavirus 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 sanitizers and washing of hands at motor parks.
“Parents and caregivers are also urged follow the guidelines of the World Health Organization 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, Governor 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 coronavirus in Oyo state,” she stated.
