As the cholera outbreak continues to ravage parts of the country, the Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government Area, Dr. Temitope Glorious, has taken a proactive step to protect his community. He flagged off a chlorination exercise and water quality test for all sources of water across the Local Government Area, including private and public facilities. The initiative aims to prevent the spread of cholera and promote public health awareness.
The flag-off ceremony was held during a one-day sensitization workshop at the Ilaji Resort International Mini Stadium, which brought together community leaders, market union representatives, schools, and religious, and traditional institutions. The workshop featured expert lecturers, including Engr Funmi Obisesan who is the organizer of the event and the Council’s Director, of the Environmental Health Service and Disease Control Department, Sanitarium Popoola Rashidat, who emphasized the importance of water testing, chlorination, and hygiene practices in preventing cholera.
Dr. Temitope Kolapo, the Chairman of the local government, urged participants to disseminate the knowledge gained to all parts of the community, emphasizing the importance of healthy lifestyles and a clean environment. He commended Chief Engr Jubril Dotun Sanusi for facilitating the event and praised the Chief Executive Officer of Ilaji Hotels & Sports Resort for his support and passion for the community.
While addressing the pres, Engr Funmi Obisesan, the organizer of the chlorination exercise, spoke with pressmen, acknowledging the instrumental role played by Chief Engr Jubril Dotun Sanusi in facilitating the event. She revealed that Sanusi, driven by his passion for Ona-Ara and Oyo State, brought in experts in the field to sensitize the community on preventing the spread of cholera. Obisesan emphasized that Sanusi’s commitment to the well-being of the community is exemplary, and his efforts have made a significant impact.
As a health and safety specialist, Obisesan explained that cholera is a highly contagious and deadly disease, making awareness and prevention crucial. She stressed that the community must take ownership of their health, and events like the chlorination exercise are essential in empowering individuals with the knowledge to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Obisesan praised the efforts of the environmental health team, who provided chlorine and water testing items, enabling the community to take proactive steps in ensuring the safety of their water sources. She encouraged the community to share their newfound knowledge with neighbors and children, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in preventing the spread of cholera.
While commending Sanusi’s dedication to the community, Obisesan expressed gratitude on behalf of the people of Ona-Ara local government. She acknowledged his tireless efforts in supporting various community development projects, stating that “there are not many people like him.” Obisesan encouraged Sanusi to continue his good work, praying for God’s blessing and protection upon him.
In his address, Engr Jubril Dotun Sanusi, the Chief Executive Officer of Ilaji Hotels & Sports Resort and ICAST, who is the facilitator and sponsor of the event, praised the local government’s proactive stance against cholera and commended the organizers, speakers, and participants for their dedication. Sanusi emphasized the power of collective effort and public-private partnerships in driving positive change. He urged everyone to take the knowledge gained from the event and share it with their families, friends, and neighbors. He also appealed to the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Mankinde and the Chairman to please, fast-track the construction of the ongoing Olorunsogo Akanran road, which has been constructed from Olorunsogo to Olunloyo.
Furthermore, Dotun Sanusi commended the Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, for his leadership and support in combating the cholera outbreak in the state. He praised the governor’s efforts in providing the necessary resources and infrastructure to prevent the spread of cholera and promote public health awareness.
The workshop achieved its goal of upscaling awareness and preventive measures against cholera, with participants encouraged to start clubs in their schools to sensitize their peers on cholera prevention. The event demonstrated the proactive steps taken by Ona-Ara Local Government to prevent the spread of cholera and promote public health awareness.
The benefits of the exercise were deemed enormous, as information is life, and prevention is better than cure. The multiplier effect of this seminar cannot be underestimated, with participants encouraged to share their knowledge with neighbors and children. The environmental health team provided chlorine and water testing items, emphasizing the importance of water treatment and hygiene practices.