This is a time that Nigerians have to be careful to stay healthy. There are diseases everywhere and it cannot be overemphasised that Nigerians should try as much as possible to do everything possible to be free from the diseases. Times are hard in the country and it will be double jeopardy to combine economic hardship with diseases. COVID-19 pandemic has caused households several pains across the world. It has killed millions globally and sickened many across the globe. In fact, many countries have yet to get over the effects of the lockdowns imposed to curb the spread of the virus. Businesses have been affected globally and several firms forced to reduce workers to stay afloat.
Nigeria is not excluded from the situation which has put many out of work and individuals struggling to make ends meet. It’s that bad. Families have been left in mourning by the deadly virus which has mutated into several variants. Some of the precautionary measures included hand-washing, social distancing and wearing of face masks. As if that is not enough, some states in the country are also battling cholera epidemic. The World Health Organisation has defined cholera as an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by eating or drinking food or water that is contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control noted in July that between June 20 and June 26, that 1,786 suspected cases of cholera were recorded in six states of the federation.
The NCDC further noted that between January 2021 and June 27, a total of 14,343 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 15 states and the FCT. This, he added, included 325 deaths. The affected states include Benue, Delta, Zamfara, Gombe, Sokoto, Bayelsa, Kogi, Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Kebbi, Cross-River, Nasarawa, Niger and the FCT.
The disease during the week sneaked into Ogun State where it reportedly killed about 25 persons. The deaths were said to have occurred between Monday and Tuesday in Magboro in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of the state.
Like a dream, the disease snatched people in communities such as Arepo, Akeran, Akintonde, Sofolarin and Abule-Oko communities under the Magboro Community Development Committee. The situation undoubtedly has caused panic among residents. But that should not be the best way to respond to the situation. Fear will only worsen the situation whereas the best solution is to look at ways to prevent it in order not to start looking for ways to treat it. People should take personal hygiene seriously and not be caught napping. Drinking of potable water should be strictly adhered to in order not to contract the disease. It’s a known fact in Nigeria that governments at all levels are not doing enough. Many households don’t have clean water and most people in villages drink contaminated water. That is one of the reasons people should pay attention to their health. They must do everything to stay alive before anything. It’s important for them to maintain a clean environment to be able stay free from diseases. There is nothing wrong if the government provides a healthy environment for the people and ensures that they have cleaner habitats. Governments at all levels have a responsibility to provide basic infrastructure and it will be terrible if the people are denied what they should rightfully get as social amenities. Everyone, both the people and the governments should play their part. This is the best way to ensure that problems are solved quickly. Nigeria is a hard country to live in and people must try to lessen their burden in coping with its ugly sides.
A clarion call to tackle climate change
As floods are ravaging many parts of the world, even countries believed to be conscious of devastating human actions, Nigeria needs to do its best to curb climate change. From the US, Saudi Arabia, China to several countries in Europe, it’s clear that no one can be unconcerned about the destruction that the world is witnessing.
Land reclamations without adequate care for the ecology must be checked including acts that exacerbate climatic conditions. It can no longer be business as usual when citizens will not be accountable and engage in activities capable of worsening the situation. All hands must be on board. No one should think the situation will take care of itself without commensurate efforts to tackle the matter. A study has noted that by 2030, several people in millions would experience increased flooding due to climate and demographic change. This is forecasting and a warning actually and governments including the people should join hands to ensure the mitigation of whatever looms. Incessant deforestation leads to tough effects on the environment. The country can see to this among other expected acts. It’s clear that many people are aware that deforestation ultimately causes soil erosion, flooding, enlarged greenhouse emissions and climate change. Nigeria should move now and fight the challenge before it gets out of hand.
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