FG Reassures Nigerians On Ebola, Sets Up Committee
Nigerian Minister Confirms No Ebola Cases, Urges Vigilance
ABUJA — Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, assured the public Thursday that there are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of vigilance and urged citizens to access information only from verified official sources.
Idris made the statement during the inaugural meeting of the Communication Sub-Committee of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats.
“Let me reassure Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria,” he said. “However, recent developments elsewhere in Africa remind us that infectious diseases know no borders.”
The Minister praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Presidential Task Force, calling it a proactive measure to safeguard public health through preparedness, coordination, and timely action.
Idris underscored the critical role of communication in managing public health emergencies. “Accurate, timely, and science-based information saves lives, while misinformation and rumors can undermine public confidence and hinder effective response,” he stated.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s successful containment of Ebola in 2014, he attributed that achievement to strong leadership, coordinated efforts, effective surveillance, and continual public communication.
The National Orientation Agency has already commenced a nationwide sensitization campaign using health messages developed in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). “Our message to Nigerians must remain clear: there is no confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria; there is no cause for panic; the government is fully prepared and vigilant,” Idris added.
He encouraged citizens to maintain good hygiene, report any suspected symptoms to health authorities promptly, and rely solely on verified information from the government.
Among those present at the meeting were Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Chairman of the Task Force; representatives from various government agencies, including the National Centre for Disease Control; and leaders from journalism and public relations sectors.
