Following reported case of Corona Virus in Lagos on Thursday, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Oyo state chapter, on Friday urged the state governments and others stakeholders to rise up and put in place safety measures for children and women across the state.
Oyo NAWOJ, in a statement jointly signed by its chairperson, Comrade Jadesola Ajibola, and secretary, Mrs. Stella Oyebanji, in Ibadan, also charged parents and care-givers to ensure safety measures for children against the spread of coronavirus.
The association stated that the call became necessary since women and children were the most vulnerable and can trigger an outbreak if allowed to get to them.
“There is no doubt that it has become a global challenge facing us all but everyone who have regular contact with children should take precautionary measures for the safety of all. We will agree that children are the most vulnerable in the society and can easily contact any infection or diseases if not prevented,” the statement read in part.
It added, “Oyo NAWOJ, as a precautionary measure, asks parents to keep their children and follow the guidelines of the World Health Organisations (WHO) which are very important.
“We call on the state ministries of health and education to immediately introduce regular hand washing to school and public facilities. It has also become very important for government to mandate use of sanitisers and washing of hands at motor parks. We believe that when these are done, we may tame the spread or record any case of coronavirus in Oyo state.
“In addition, NAWOJ urge residents to report any suspected case to the appropriate quarters. His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, is a listening father and we believe that it is doable.”
It, however, called on the Oyo state Ministry of Health to provide a helpline for residents to call in case of any signs or symptom, and that ambulance should be made available at strategic location.