… Govt launches sensitisation programme on meningitis
From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
Abducted Oniyani of Iyani-Akoko in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Sunday Daudu, who regained his freedom on Tuesday night, said he drank the same water with cattle.
The monarch, who is the secretary of Akoko North West Traditional Council said: “I slept on the top of hills with rain falling on my crowned head. I drank water meant for cattle while trekking for over 20 kilometres with my second in command, Shaba of Iyani, Chief Olugbenga Giwa.”
However, the monarch thanked Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and the people of the state for their concern.
He said he suffered greatly in the hands of his abductors till he was freed.
Meanwhile, reactions have continued to trail the abduction of the monarch as the Chairman, Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Akoko council, Alhaji Ibrahim Kilani called for day and night patrol of roads by military and other security agents.
He also advocated mass employment for the people, while traditional rulers must be able to identify strangers in their domains.
Also, the Eleriti of Eriti-Akoko, Oba Amos Ogunleye condemned the abduction of Oba Daudu.
According to him, traditional rulers deserved respect and honour rather than being ridiculed, urging government, at all levels, to intensify efforts to reduce crimes in the society and attract investors from foreign countries. The Iyalode of Iyani-Akoko, Mrs Florence Giwa contended that the freed monarch going by his traumatic experience, needed special medical attention for quick recovery.
Meanwhile, the government yesterday launched an intensive sensitisation and awareness programme on meningitis.
Ministry of Health, which anchored the programme, also commissioned health officials to engage in house to house campaign against the spread of the deadly disease.
The state government had recently launched the emergency response team in line with the Federal Government’s directive.
Permanent Secretary in the Health ministry, Dr. Taye Oni, who presided over the programme held at the state Specialist Hospital, Akure, said the programme became imperative to prevent the spread of the disease to the state.
Oni said the sensitisation programme would also guide health workers against contacting the disease.
He assured that the programme would be replicated in other hospitals, departments and units in the Ministry of Health. The permanent secretary urged workers to be alive to their duties and put the information received to the fore while treating patients.
“Government will do all that is humanly possible to prevent the outbreak of meningitis and nip it in the bud if it gets to the state
as no one can prevent human traffic into the state from affected states,” he said.
Also, Director, Ondo State Public Health, Dr. Ola Obaado, gave a comprehensive overview of cerebrospinal meningitis, its symptoms, prevention and treatment. Obaado said the sensitisation was coming on the nick of time to protect health workers from the risk of infection.
He noted that Nigeria lies in the meningitis belt with a prevalence of the neisseria meningitides type C of the epidemic which could either be caused by virus or bacteria infection.
According to him, the rate at which the disease spreads is increasing and the death toll is rising by the day.
He said all hands must be on deck to prevent the outbreak of the disease in the state.
Also, he appealed to residents to avoid overcrowding, filthy environment, sharing of drinking utensils, spitting any how and anywhere, handshake, hugging and kissing, among others.