The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, has identified environmental sanitation as one of the key requirements for prevention of diseases in the country.
To achieve this, he said, people should be mobilise to participate in the exercise which would feature sensitisation, disease surveillance and report of outbreaks.
“Indeed, a call to action will promote cooperation and reduce indifference and ignorance.
“A good example is seen in the robust response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with awareness,” he said.
Ibrahim said the recent nationwide medical outreaches conducted through its Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers, indicated that most of the ailments recorcorded linked to poor hygiene.
“Efforts must be made to save many more lives by empowering the people with adequate information on good personal and environmental hygiene,” he said.
According to him, the sensitisation will focus on promoting clean food and water, proper disposal of waste, good grooming on regular basis, hand washing among others.
“The public will be further educated on how to handle toxic materials, tree planting to support a healthy ecosystem, disinfection of the environment, susceptibility and risky habits.
”It is heart-warming to note that communities that benefited from the recent NYSC HIRD medical outreaches have been sharing their testimonies on its enormous impacts.
”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,” he explained.
While commending the state government and community leaders for their support, Ibrahim reitersted commitment to provide free healthcare and environmental services in the state.
Earlier, the Head of Community Development Service of the Council, Malam Bala Dabo, commended the scheme for the efforts toward keeping a healthy and clean environment.
Reports have it that highlights of activities at the event include waste and drain clearance exercise by corps members.