Lockdown: More enlightenment needed at grassroots, MSSN tells govt

THE Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) in Lagos State has identified the need for more public enlightenment on coronavirus at the grassroots level.

The Amir of the MSSN, Lagos, Dr Saheed Ashafa, who stated this in a statement, explained that many Nigerians at the grassroots were yet to understand the importance of the lockdown imposed on the state by the government.

For instance, Ashafa said many rural dwellers still have a wrong notion that the COVID-19 could only be contracted by the rich.

He described a situation where youths use the opportunity of the lockdown to engage in street football as saddening.

He also lamented that many local governments in the state are not active in the fight against COVID-19 as they are not maximising the advantage of their closeness to the grassroots.

Ashafa said many local residents believe that the lockdown is an opportunity to socialise and meet old friends rather than stay at home.

The Amir said: “It is unfortunate that most local government authorities, if not all, are too passive at this critical moment. The dormant mode at which they now operate is very dangerous for us as a people.

“It is expected at this time that there should be continuous public enlightenment at the grassroots about the hazard involved in ignoring social distancing and other precautionary measures against the pandemic.

“The Lagos State government should issue appropriate directive to local government authorities mandating them to embark on grassroots public enlightenment across the length and breadth of their locality.”

He called on the state governor and the COVID-19 Incident Commander in the state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to urgently address the challenge to curb community transmission of the disease.

“This measure is believed to be urgently compelling to lessen the pressure being faced by the frontline health workers,” Ashafa added.

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