NOA Embarks on Grassroots Mobilsation Against Covid19 in Lagos

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) Lagos Directorate on Wednesday 5th of August, 2020 continued with its enlightenment and sensitization Campaign on Increased Risk Communication and Community engagement of critical stakeholder on Covid-19 in Lagos state at the Conference Room of Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, with member of Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council (LSCDAC).

Addressing the 20 chairmen of the Council, carefully choosen because of the pandemic, the Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA) Lagos Directorate, Mr. Waheed Ishola noted that the main reason for the visit was to sensitise and engage the community leaders in the fight against the Coronavirus Pandemic. He observed that despite government out-cry and awareness towards Covid-19, majority of Lagosian at the grass-root communities are still moving about with their businesses in a care-free and nonchalant attitude. He urged the Leaders who are great influencers within their various communities to do more in sensitizing and reaching out to the people in other to stop the curve. The Director took time to explain the non-pharmaceutical interventions that should be understood and cascaded down to the people at the communities. These are:

1. To Regularly and thoroughly wash hands with soap under running water or use alcohol-based sanitizer if water is not available.

2. To Cover one’s mouth and nose with bend elbow or tissue when one cough or sneeze. Dispose properly into a dustbin and sanitise your hands.

3. Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

4. Maintain at least 2 metres distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing around you.

5. If you feel unwell, stay at home and seek help and assistance.

He finally urged the Community Leaders to, as a matter of duty, communicate the message of the visit to their CDA’S and CDC on the need to abide with all the guidelines provided by the government.

In his response on behalf of Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council (LSCDAC), the chairman, Alhaji Azeez A. Amusat commended the Agency for its sensitization and enlightenment programmes in the State. He noted that to the best of their effort, the council had worked with other various groups in sensitizing over 3,900 Community Development Associations of the State. He promised the council’s support and collaboration in working with the Agency for a more robust and massive sensitization at the grassroot. He however, appealed for more flyers, handbills and posters to make their job easy. He equally implored the government to increase the enforcement and if possible, create a taskforce to see to the observance of the guidelines.

High-point of the event was the presentation of communication posters, handbills and flyers to the Chairman by the Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA) Lagos State.