ÀTẸ́LẸWỌ́ – a language and cultural organization dedicated to the repositioning of Yorùbá language and cultures – have sensitized nine communities in Ibadan on precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Oyo State.
According to Oredola Ibrahim, the coordinator of the program, The Atelewo Yoruba Coronavirus Campaign was inspired and launched as a result of the ongoing global outbreak of a virus that has killed thousands globally.
“As a result of the language barrier, we realize that a lot of people in our local communities still don’t have access to key information about the virus and how to protect themselves and flatten the curve against the further spread,“ said Ibrahim.
During the sensitization program which lasted for two days the organization through its more than 65 registered volunteers visited nine locations in Ibadan including Ọjà Ọba, Agbowo, New Gbagi Market, Ajibode, Gate, Sango, Ojoo, Iwo Road and Dugbe.
In a chat with OYOINSIGHT.COM, the coordinator of the sensitization program stated that the main problem the State will face in the coming days would be food and drug distribution.
However, he expressed the readiness of the organization to partner with the Goverrnment and stakeholders to solve this problem.
In his words, “We have started at the level of raising awareness in our various communities. And we’re intensifying on that through our growing network of volunteers in Oyo State. Also, we realize that base on recent directives, the government is planning to shut down some markets and impose a curfew to ensure that people stay at home.
“We know that the next challenge that people will be facing will be how to get food and medical supplies at home. Lagos Government is already doing a lot in this space and we have various organizationslike Lagos Food Bank trying to make sure that people don’t suffer a lack of basic supply in these times.
“ We hope to be able to partner with the state government and various stakeholders to make sure that people in Ibadan and in Oyo State by extension don’t suffer a lack of access to basic supply.“
The sensitization program monitored by OYOINSIGHT.COM held between the 28th and 29th of March. The set of people who volunteered for the sensitization program include students, health professionals, linguists, graphics designers, and logistic personnel.
