The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has directed agencies under his ministry to intensify public enlightenment on Ebola Virus Disease following the confirmation of a case in the Federal Capital Territory.
Idris gave the directive to the National Orientation Agency, Nigerian Television Authority, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Voice of Nigeria and News Agency of Nigeria to educate Nigerians on the disease and measures to prevent its spread.
The directive follows the Federal Government’s confirmation of an Ebola case in a woman who recently travelled to Abuja from Uganda.
PUNCH Online reports that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the case on Tuesday, with 44 close contacts identified for monitoring as part of efforts to prevent further transmission.
The woman is currently in isolation and receiving treatment, while public health authorities are tracing people who may have been exposed to the virus.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, the minister said accurate information was critical to containing the disease and preventing public panic.
“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. Our agencies must reach every community, in every language, with clear facts on how Ebola spreads, how to protect ourselves and where to report suspected cases,” Idris said.
He directed the agencies to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NCDC to ensure that public information on the outbreak was verified and evidence-based.
The minister also tasked the NOA with deploying its nationwide offices for grassroots sensitisation in collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, community groups and the media.
The ministry said it would strengthen engagement with broadcast media organisations, including the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, to expand public awareness of Ebola prevention and containment.
“The collaboration will support the dissemination of verified health information, the production and airing of public enlightenment jingles, and the development of information, education and communication materials in Nigerian languages to reach communities across the country,” the statement read.
The minister urged Nigerians to remain calm, rely on official information and avoid spreading unverified claims on social media.
He also advised members of the public to report suspected cases immediately through the NCDC’s toll-free, 24-hour emergency line, 6232.
Nathaniel Shaibu is a correspondent at The PUNCH with three years of professional journalism experience. He covers the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), civil society, religion, and the Ministries of Women Affairs and Youth Development. In addition to his primary beats, Nathaniel also reports on politics, metro, security, and judicial matters, bringing clarity and balance to a wide range of public-interest stories. His work reflects hands-on newsroom experience, strong beat knowledge, and a commitment to accurate, responsible journalism.