Ebola: FG Orders Nationwide Awareness Campaign, Warns Against Misinformation
The Federal Government has ordered a nationwide public awareness campaign on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following the confirmation of a case in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, directed agencies under his ministry to intensify public education on the disease and provide Nigerians with accurate information on prevention and containment.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the minister.
The affected agencies include 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).
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed the case in a woman who recently travelled to Abuja from Uganda.
According to the statement, the woman is in isolation and receiving treatment, while health authorities have identified her contacts and commenced follow-up measures.
Idris said the Federal Government was taking necessary steps to contain the case and protect Nigerians, stressing that accurate and timely information was critical to preventing the spread of the disease.
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“The Federal Government is taking every necessary step to contain this case and protect Nigerians. Accurate and timely information is one of our strongest defences,” he said.
The minister directed the agencies to ensure that information on how Ebola spreads, preventive measures and procedures for reporting suspected cases reaches communities across the country in local languages.
He also instructed the agencies to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NCDC to ensure that public communication remains accurate, verified and evidence-based.
As part of the campaign, the NOA was directed to deploy its nationwide network for grassroots sensitisation in collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups and the media.
The ministry will also strengthen engagement with broadcast media organisations, including the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), to expand public enlightenment on Ebola prevention and containment.
The collaboration will involve disseminating verified health information, producing and airing public enlightenment jingles, and developing information, education and communication materials in Nigerian languages.
Idris urged Nigerians to remain calm, rely on information from official sources and refrain from circulating unverified claims on social media.
He emphasised the importance of responsible information sharing in preventing public panic and ensuring that citizens receive reliable guidance from health authorities.
The ministry advised members of the public to report suspected Ebola cases immediately by calling the NCDC’s toll-free, 24-hour emergency line on 6232.
