Ebola Virus Poses Security Challenge To Any Country-Aregbesola
Staff
September 12, 2014
The Governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Thursday highlighted not only the health but the the security challenges posed to any country by the scourge of Ebola virus.
The governor who conveyed a state security council and stakeholders meeting on the prevention of Ebola virus disease, at the Government House Banquet Hall held that any country under the threat of the epidemic risks loosing it’s sovereignty.
Aregbesola pointed out that all hands must be on deck on how to checkmate the disease from entering the state, saying the state’s meagre resources should be concentrated on bringing about massive economic development.
The governor stressed that most of the countries affected are almost loosing their sovereignty because of the Ebola.
He said, “We should not see the disease as an ordinary health challenge but a situation that can be seen as a security problem for a state or a nation. That is why I have called all the security chiefs and all stakeholders to this meeting.
“I am happy that we now have a big relief in the state against the rumour of the virus in the state. God forbid it, I have been troubled ever since the news. HOw could we have coped with the little resources of the state? You should now go out to tell the world that there is no Ebola in Osun and that we will prevent it’s manifestation here at all cost.
“With all these countries around us, there are countries like Liberia, Sierra-Leone, Guinea and Congo that we need to support because they are too close for the comfort of our country. Our prayer is that the disease will not have place to stay in our land”. The governor prayed.
Speaking at the meeting, the Special Adviser to Governor Aregbesola on Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu noted that the state health ministry is prepared for the disease.
“We have set up various committee comprising 5 ministries meeting and sensitising people on what to do and we have distributed personal protective equipment to hospitals in the state.
“The ministry is not leaving any stone unturned on the issue of this Ebola virus. Personnel of our ministry are out to sensitize market women, members of National Union of Road and Transport workers and other artisans. Jingle and enlightenment programmes are also on radio and television on how to prevent it”. Dr. Isamotu said
Also the representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Olaniyi Onayemi said the university community is happy that the governor is interested in making the state Ebola-free.
The rumour that Ebola entered Osun through the university is false, “in OAU we have set up committees on campus and also had a seminar on Ebola in school. We have forms for them to fill that will give a lead to where they have been before resumption.
“It was in the process that we got a lady who came out to say that she had contact will a victim in Porthacourt , she was taken to Lagos and the first test result showed that she is Ebola Negative.
“Foreign students have been asked to stay back for the session, those around who have not gone out of the country have been screened. As of now the reported lady is Ebola free.” The OAU don told the meeting.
