To curtail the spread of Covid-19 in Ile-Ife and environs, respected Yoruba monarch, Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi on Tuesday directed the fumigation of Ile-Ife and environs with locally invented fumigators and drones.
Speaking with journalists on the exercise, the monarch explained that with the outbreak of the pandemic globally, there is need for youths to deploy their creativity by thinking outside the box.
“The art of being creative is the motivation behind the creation of these fumigators. Volkswagen which is currently being used across the world was built by the Germans during the Second World War to provide cheap vehicles for her people and look at what it is today.
“This motorized fumigator is equally a product of necessity which could serve other purposes like in the agricultural and industrial sectors after this challenging period of Covid-19 pandemic. Right now, we need abundant fumigations and that is why we have partnered with drones’ suppliers to widen our coverage.” The Ooni stated.
While explaining advantages of the specially made fumigator over other lookalikes, the Ooni explained that the fumigator is decently designed with equal fumigation capacity as industrial fumigation trucks used in China, Pakistan and some Western countries with a wide fumigation coverage of about 20 to 30fts radius.
“It is decently designed with equal fumigation capacity as industrial fumigation trucks used in China, Pakistan and some Western countries with a wide fumigation coverage of about 20 to 30fts radius. It is also effective during dry seasons as anti-dust suppressing machines because it generates only foggy substance converted from liquid (nobody has the technology for fumigation like this in Nigeria currently).”
“Aside from its cost effectiveness, it is easy to assemble and dissemble on any locomotive engine for mobility. We have test run the fabricated equipment very well, we have seen its workability and we need to roll out these products for public use. “Ooni explained.
Ooni Ogunwusi who is Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) stressed that he will be donating two of the fumigators to each of the states of the Federation as his way of supporting State and Federal Government’s fight against Covid-19.
He added that the fumigation exercise is in addition to his efforts to assist the government and people in combating the pandemic as he has been sharing food and sanitizing items for the people especially the less privileged on daily basis.
In her speech, a consultant with World Head Organization (WHO), Professor Olapeju Esimai who is also the current Head of Department, Public Health, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife lauded the Ooni for his creativity and for being proactive in the fight against the novel Covid-19. She admonished citizens to accept the reality of Covid-19 and adhere to precautionary measures like the social distancing, personal hygiene, nose and mouth covering as well as staying at home order.
“We must increase awareness and also not forget precautionary measures like the social distancing, personal hygiene, nose and mouth covering as well as staying at home. COVID-19 is real.” Prof. Esimai explained.
