NYSC holds environment sanitation exercise in Ebonyi State

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC in Ebonyi State Southeast Nigeria has embarked on another environmental sanitation exercise in the State.

This was contained in an address to Newsmen by the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Ibrahim Shaibu, represented by the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Mercy Bamai Dawuda in Abakaliki the state capital.

Shaibu said environmental sanitation has been recognized globally as one of the key requirements for prevention of diseases and their escalation to epidemic proportion.

He informed that efforts must be stepped up to enlighten the general public, especially the rural dwellers, on the health risks of poor hygiene with particular focus on the prevention of contamination of food, water and the entire environment.

“To achieve this, every member of the community will have to be mobilized for participation in the exercise which will feature sensitization, disease surveillance and report of outbreaks; disinfection of the environment – living rooms, toilets, public spaces; handling of toxic materials; how best to handle bush burning, pollution and waste disposal as well as tree planting to support health ecosystem” he said.

Medical outreach

Moreso, he said It is heart-warming to note that communities that benefited from the NYSC medical outreaches have been sharing testimonies of the enormous impact of the programme.

“I wish to assure Nigerians that we will not rest on our oars as we continue to offer health and other services, including environmental protection. I am particularly hopeful about the prospects of this exercise because with regular sanitation, malaria and other related diseases will be reduced to the barest minimum”.

He thanked the State Governments, traditional rulers, community leaders, NYSC staff, Corps members and other stakeholders for supporting this noble cause.

The theme of the programme is “Clean Environment/Good Hygiene: Panacea for Good Health and Long Life.”

Emmanuel Ukoh