Ebola: Information Minister orders nationwide public enlightenment

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has directed government information agencies to intensify public awareness about Ebola following the confirmation of a case in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Idris gave the directive after the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, confirmed a case involving a woman who recently travelled to Abuja from Uganda.

The woman is in isolation and receiving treatment, while health authorities have identified her contacts and are monitoring them.

“The Federal Government is taking every necessary step to contain this case and protect Nigerians,” Idris said, stressing the need for accurate information on how the disease spreads and how suspected cases should be reported.

The minister directed 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, to step up public education.

He also ordered the agencies to work with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NCDC to ensure that information shared with the public is verified.

The NOA was tasked with reaching communities nationwide through traditional and religious leaders, community groups and the media.

The ministry will also work with broadcast organisations to air Ebola prevention jingles and produce public education materials in Nigerian languages.

Idris urged Nigerians to remain calm, rely on official information and avoid spreading unverified claims on social media.