The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has directed agencies under his ministry to intensify public education and enlightenment on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following the confirmation of a case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The agencies include the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Voice of Nigeria (VON) and News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed the case this week in a woman who recently travelled to Abuja from Uganda.
According to the statement, the woman is currently in isolation and receiving treatment, while health authorities have identified her contacts and commenced follow-up measures.
Idris said the Federal Government was taking necessary steps to contain the case and protect Nigerians, stressing that accurate and timely information was essential to preventing the spread of the disease.
“The agencies must reach every community, in every language, with clear facts on how Ebola spreads, how to protect ourselves and where to report suspected cases,” he said.
The minister directed the agencies to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NCDC to ensure that all public information on the disease was verified and evidence-based.
He also tasked the NOA with deploying its nationwide network of offices to conduct grassroots sensitisation in collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, community groups and the media.
The ministry, according to the statement, will strengthen engagement with broadcast media organisations, including the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), to expand public awareness of Ebola prevention and containment.
The collaboration will involve disseminating verified health information, producing and airing public enlightenment jingles, and developing information, education and communication materials in Nigerian languages to reach communities across the country.
Idris urged Nigerians to remain calm, rely on information from official sources and refrain from spreading unverified reports on social media.
He advised members of the public to report suspected Ebola cases immediately by calling the NCDC’s toll-free, 24-hour emergency line on 6232.
