As a strategic response to the cholera outbreak in Oyo state, the executive chairman of Oluyole local government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji has held a crucial meeting with stakeholders in the Council area in a bid to curb the spread.
The meeting also focused on containment, raising awareness, and sensitization on the consequences inherent in non compliance to health and hygienic advises and directives by the local government and other relevant authorities.
The meeting, attended by school administrators, market leaders, health officials, and community representatives, aimed to curb the spread of the deadly disease.
Cholera, a waterborne illness, has surged in recent weeks across several parts of the South western part of Nigeria including Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo, prompting urgent intervention from health authorities across the affected states.
In his address, Olatunji emphasized the critical need for collaborative action among key sectors to prevent any unforseen circumstances or casualties, so as to contain the outbreak effectively in the local government.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the crucial expanded stakeholders meeting, the Council boss explained the need to make such strategic move to raise awareness and deepen knowledge of the disease.
He noted that the local government being a less city is predominantly occupied by traders, artisans, and farmers adding that the level of literacy in the council still remain low which according to him requires increased awareness campaign to prevent any unpleasant circumstance.
“We must first of all give a very kudos to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde for his proactive and pragmatic leadership by deploying necessary expertise towards the containment of the cholera once it was first reported about a week ago.
” The state Ministry of health has also done fantastically well in raising awareness and sensitization of the killer disease while adequately containing the reported cases.
“It’s not only the business of government, it is everybody’s business, if we failed to get on the same page on this move, then we may be working at cross purposes and to prevent that, we need everybody on board.
” The message is clear, adhere strictly to preventive measures highlighted by the ministry of health and ensure full compliance as a form of habit. We must take this message down to every cluster, family settings, associations, unions, and religious organizations.
“Report any symptom of cholera in your area to the relevant authorities appropriately and timely. Do not attempt to hide it because its a public health emergency, there’s nothing to feel shameful or scared about.
“If you report any noticed case timely, it can be contained and affected person can be given proper and adequate medical attention. We’re all responsible for ourselves in Oluyole local government and we must start to treat public issues as family issues to save our environment.” Olatunji said.
Earlier, stakeholders at the event discussed immediate measures such as sanitation improvements, access to clean water, and public health education campaigns.
School administrators pledged to intensify hygiene protocols among students, while market leaders committed themselves to enhancing sanitation practices within their premises.
Community representatives expressed concerns over inadequate healthcare access and called for increased medical supplies and personnel in different areas within the council.
Olatunji in his response assured the stakeholders of the government’s commitment to deploying resources swiftly to mitigate the crisis while stakeholders consequently, resolved to form a task force to oversee implementation of the proposed strategies and ensure ongoing coordination between government agencies and local communities.
They emphasized the importance of vigilance and community engagement in combating the cholera outbreak effectively. The health officials urged residents to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and promptly report symptoms to healthcare facilities.
Present at the event are the vice chairman and Political Head of Akorede LCDA, Hon. Niyi Akorede, Chief of Staff to Executive Chairman, Hon. Babalola Azeez, Dr. SMART Emmanuel Tosin, an expert from Kejide Hospital, Challenge, Ibadan, representatives from Rural Water Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), heads of public and privately owned primary and secondary schools, Alhaja Aransi Modinat; an Environmental Official as well as representatives of Oluyole chapter of the state Park Management System (PMS) in the council area.
Others present are the Iyaloja and Babaloja from different Markets in Oluyole, Oluyole chapter of Food Sellers Association, Butchers Association, Grinders Association and other traders’ unions.