Mrs. Abolanle Adesina, wife of the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government and the Tuberculosis (TB) Ambassador for Ikorodu Central, led an impactful awareness campaign at Ayangbure Market, Sabo Ikorodu, on October 24, 2024.
The event, focused on educating the public about the causes, prevention, and treatment of tuberculosis, drew a significant crowd as it aimed to combat the deadly disease that continues to pose a serious health risk in communities.
The program stressed the importance of recognizing TB symptoms early, including prolonged coughing, chest pain, and fever, urging anyone experiencing these signs to seek medical attention immediately, also Informing that there is availability of free screening and treatment services, assuring the public that tuberculosis, though dangerous, is both preventable and curable with timely intervention.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, demonstrating the significance of the campaign within the local community.
Among those present were Alhaji Lamidi Folorunsho, Alhaji Waheed Animashun, Alhaji Taiwo Longe, and key market leaders such as Dec. Busola Isikalu (Iyaoja General of Ikorodu Division) and her deputy, Mrs. Osho Bukola.
The Iyaoja of Ayangbure, Alhaja Mutiat Ojulari, and Ikodass Chairman, Mr. Erogbogbo, were also in attendance to show their support for the campaign.
Mrs. Adeshina emphasized that tuberculosis remains one of the world’s leading causes of death from infectious diseases, underscoring the critical role of early detection and treatment.
“This campaign is crucial in building a healthier future for our communities. By educating ourselves and others, we can defeat tuberculosis and protect our families and neighbours,” she stated passionately.
She further explained that the choice of Ayangbure Market as the venue allowed for greater reach, particularly among rural dwellers, ensuring the message reached as many people as possible.
The TB awareness campaign also provided free screening services, where individuals were tested and given guidance on the next steps if they tested positive.
Mrs. Adesina encouraged those diagnosed with TB to strictly adhere to their prescribed treatment regimen, highlighting that consistent medication is vital to recovery.
Hon. Wasiu Adesina, the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Central Local Government, revealed that the region currently has the highest number of tuberculosis cases in the area.
He explained that this alarming statistic has driven the local government to intensify its efforts to fight the disease through education, prevention, and treatment initiatives.
“Tuberculosis is a curable disease, and we must do everything we can to prevent its spread,” Hon. Adesina urged, emphasizing the importance of community participation in tackling the issue.
Healthcare representative Mrs. Ogundipe Toyin further highlighted the symptoms of TB, which include coughing for more than two weeks, fever, weight loss, and night sweats.
She reiterated that testing and treatment are free at government hospitals and encouraged everyone to take advantage of these services.
Mr. Rotimi Erogbogbo, Chairman of Ikorodu Development Association (IKODASS), called on the local government to produce educational materials for wider distribution.
He also urged councillors to ensure the TB message reaches every ward in Ikorodu, emphasizing that awareness is key to preventing the disease from spreading further.
Other notable speakers, including Alhaji Taiwo Longe and Mr. Shonibare, praised Mrs. Adeshina for her leadership in the TB campaign and urged the community to remain vigilant.
They reiterated the importance of seeking medical help at the first sign of symptoms and called on residents to support efforts aimed at eliminating tuberculosis from the region.
Alhaji Waheed Animashun, the APC Chairman for Ikorodu, made a special appeal to the market leaders to spread the TB awareness message among traders, ensuring that more people undergo testing and receive proper treatment.
Hon. Adebowale Adebola Ajayi, Leader of the House in Ikorodu Local Government, reminded the community that “health is wealth” and emphasized that tuberculosis, as a contagious disease, must be addressed with urgency.
He called on everyone to take advantage of the free services offered to safeguard their health.
In closing, Mrs. Busola Isikalu, Iyaoja General of Ikorodu Division, urged market leaders to ensure higher turnout in future campaigns, expressing concern over the need for greater participation.
She emphasized that with early intervention, tuberculosis could be prevented from becoming a life-threatening illness.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to continue raising awareness about TB, ensuring that no one in the community is left uninformed or unprotected.
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