COVID-19: Olorunda LG Boss, Samola Sensitizes Residents, Extols Sanwó-Olú, FG

By Adeosun, Abdulwahab

Hon. Samson Folorunso
Olatunde

Buoyed by a directive from the Babajide Sanwoolu-led Lagos State Government to take sensitisation programs on the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) to the grassroots via the 57 Local Governments(LGs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) for better reach and results, the Executive Chairman of Olorunda LCDA, Hon. Samson Folorunso Olatunde (SAMOLA) yesterday, Friday 6th March, 2020 acted swiftly to complement existing effort to improve awareness and knowledge on the notorious virus within his constituency.

The program profiled essential knowledge about the virus ranging from symptoms, to transmission, to prevention, numbers to call to report suspicious cases and more. Delivering the opening remark at the forum was the Supervisory Councillor for Health, Olorunda LCDA, Hon. Aina Dauda who touched on the rationale behind the event briefly before assuring those in attendance that there is absolutely no cause for panic as all tiers of Government in the country are working hand in hand to curtail the spread of the virus and remain on top of the situation.

An all-encompassing lecture on all things Coronavirus followed as the lecturer for the day, Miss Ojo Temitope, Health Educator, Olorunda LCDA made judicious use of her time to explore everything on the infamous virus as well as frequently asked questions. She highlighted the symptoms such as fever, breathing difficulties, cough etc, as well as precautions. She ended her lecture with a demonstration of how to apply alcohol-based sanitizer, using some members of the sitting in her demonstration.

Another brief address saw the HOD Environment, Olorunda LCDA, Sanitarian Joseph Akinwunmi Amos deliver a message of hope as well as hygienic practices that are guaranteed to keep our environment virus free. He went a step further to teach the gathering custom-composed songs on the Coronavirus and environmental health in general.

In his address at the event, the Council Mayor commended the Sanwoolu-led Lagos State Government as well as the Ministry of Health for their swift response and attitude to a potentially deadly virus, highlighting that the aim of the government is to ensure that no Lagos State or Nigerian resident contacts the virus.

"I would first and foremost like to commend the Lagos State Governor and his executives, as well as the Minister for health who are working assiduously to ensure that the virus does not spread in the State and Nigeria at large. They have faced the situation head-on and have been the shining light in the race to keep the virus contained and subsequently defeated", he remarked.

Speaking on how the virus is transferred, Hon. Samola re-emphasized the points registered by the Council Health Educator listing coughing, sneezing, touching infected objects, surfaces or persons and then touching ones eyes, nose or mouth as mediums through which the virus can be transmitted. He further highlighted flu-like symptoms, sore throat, shortness of breath and chest pain as symptoms of the virus.

Having said the above, he encouraged the people to keep a distance of up to 5feet from anyone coughing or sneezing repeatedly, wash their hands regularly with running water and soap or alcohol-based sanitizer after using the toilet, sneezing, coughing, playing with pets e.t.c so as to avoid contacting the virus. The Chairman concluded his address by advising that one should isolate himself/herself and desist from self-medication in a case where one develops the symptoms. He advised that such persons should call the emergency numbers circulating and visit any government hospitals for free medical check-up and tests.

In his words; "Where there are complaints relating to the stated symptoms, please ensure that you report to our health facilities immediately. Our officials will contact the state government and such persons will be taken care of and can return to their normal lives without costly repercussions

"Please desist from self-medication. Do not bow to the fear of stigmatization. The cost of that can be more fatal. If one refuses to report in time, such a person is likely to infect others including loved ones. Please, let us remain abreast of the situation by practicing the precautions. Report all cases to the healthcare facilities"

Also at the program were members of the Executive and Legislative arms of the government, Special Assistants to the Executive Chairman, Management Staff, NULGE, Council Staff, Community leaders, Baales and Chiefs, CDAs, Transport Unions, Market men and Women, Representatives of the various ethnic groups, Tradesmen and Artisans etc.