FG Reassures Nigerians On Ebola, Sets Up Committee
Nigeria’s Information Minister Confirms No Ebola Cases Amid Preparedness Efforts
ABUJA — Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, assured the public Thursday that there are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Nigeria. Idris urged citizens to remain vigilant and to seek information solely from credible official sources.
The minister made the announcement during the inaugural meeting of the Communication Sub-Committee of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats. He acknowledged the potential risks posed by infectious diseases, citing recent outbreaks in other African nations.
“I want to reassure Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria,” Idris stated. He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for forming the Presidential Task Force, describing the initiative as a proactive measure to safeguard the health and well-being of Nigerians through effective preparedness and coordination.
Stressing the importance of communication in public health emergencies, Idris emphasized that “accurate, timely, and science-based information saves lives.” He warned that misinformation could compromise public confidence and impede effective response efforts.
Referencing Nigeria’s successful management of Ebola in 2014, Idris highlighted the roles of strong leadership, coordinated action, effective surveillance, and ongoing public communication in overcoming previous challenges.
The National Orientation Agency has commenced a nationwide awareness campaign using health messages developed in partnership with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). “Our message to Nigerians is clear: there is no confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria; there is no cause for panic; the government is fully prepared and vigilant,” Idris stated.
He urged citizens to maintain good hygiene practices, promptly report any symptoms to health authorities, and rely exclusively on information from verified government channels.
Dignitaries attending the meeting included Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Chairman of the Task Force; representatives from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development; Dr. Tochi Okwor from the NCDC; Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director General of the National Orientation Agency; and leaders from various media and public relations organizations.
