National orientation agency tasks journalists on fight against coronavirus

Segun Showunmi in Ibadan

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on journalists in Oyo State to joined hands in fight against corona virus by disseminating proper and adequate information to people of the state towards ensuring that the spread of the virus is put to the barest minimum

Penpushing reports that the Director National Orientation Agency (NOA), Oyo State, Mrs Dolapo Dosunmu made this call on Wednesday at the press center, Iyaganku, Ibadan, during an advocacy visit to stakeholders on increased risk communication and community engagement on the containment of covid-19 in Oyo state

The Director commended the media for its efforts towards putting an end to coronavirus in the state, adding that the media have been good partners towards ensuring that the pandemic is put to an end

Penpushing further reports that, she pointed out that, the advent of the pandemic has put a lot of pressure on us, stressing that the virus has gotten to a level of community transmission.

“The volume of misconceptions, rumor, and misinformation going around the community is alarming, and there is need to counter the rumor and misinformation going on around the community, the orientation of our people must change toward the containment of this pandemic.

“NOA from the head office has stepped up its game by giving the adequate information to the people, there must be self education for people to know the danger that is behind the pandemic’, she said

Penpushing also reports that, she appealed to journalists to help in disseminating proper information and gives publicity for Nigerians to know the danger in the pandemic, adding that obedience to all coronavirus protocol is for the benefits of the people.

“The infection is not a death sentence, the infection will come and go, there should not be any discrimination against the victim of the virus, also, media should also preach the message of hope to the people’.

Penpushing  reports that in his response, the chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ), Comrade Ademola Babalola said the agency has been trying its best in sensitising Nigerians, particularly people in the state to know the danger behind the pandemic, adding that journalists in the state are always ready to give necessary support in curbing the spread of the pandemic

“We are always with you, and you can count on us in making sure that advocacy reached the people, government should also impose fine to whoever failed to used face mask, and this will also assist in putting an end to the virus’,Babalola said.