Igarra, like every other community, woke up to the news of the spread of the Corona virus (COVID 19) pandemic across the globe.

Igarra kingdom is blessed with large and wonderful human resources. The people of Igarra are domiciled in many nation’s and across all the states in Nigeria.

It was not long, news began to filter in through the news media that some of our prominent sons in government had contact with some people that are positive to the Corona virus. God being on our side, they were tested and it came out negative.

The Traditional institution ably led by HRH Oba Emmanuel Adeche Saiki II, the Otaru of Igarra, showed leadership by sensitising Igarra people to the pandemic and what needs to be done to curtail its spread. Family meetings that usually hold monthly and other statutory meetings involving more than 20 persons were cancelled. The Otaru also sent the Town Crier to disseminate crucial decisions of the Palace to Igarra people

The need to ensure that the messages are passed accurately and timely led a Benin- based Igarra Medical Doctor, Dr. Oizamesi James Adanini, to record an awareness campaign podcast in the Etuno dialect. In the audio, he took time to explain what the COVID 19 was all about with emphasis on the preventive measures that must be taken to reduce and possibly curtail the spread of the pandemic.

There is also a local musician that sang using the Etuno dialect to further enlighten the populace on this pandemic.

Notably, the Igarra Development Association (IDA) mobilized sound systems March 28 and 29, 2020 going around Igarra community sensitizing the people on this pandemic. The Association also went ahead to print educational materials which detailed the relevant information needed, and pasted across the streets in Igarra.

The Edo Development Organisation (EDO) also produced and disseminated a 4..33 minutes sensitisation audio message on the virus talking about what to do and what not to do to prevent contracting the virus including social distancing, constantly washing the hands etc. It also encouraged living hygienic lifestyles. Download the and listen to the EDO Sensitisation Message.

On his part, the Executive Chairman of Akoko Edo Local Government Council, Hon Don Oteh Umoru inaugurated a task force on Covid ’19 as measures of curbing the ravaging pandemic virus. The task force was set up to sensitize residents of Akoko Edo Local Government on keeping good hygiene that will help prevent the spread of the epidemic. They are also expected to report suspected cases to the appropriate authority.

The Council Boss emphatically said that the state government has banned any social gathering of any form more than 20 persons and that civil servants on level 1-12 were to work from their homes. He also charged them to take their hygiene seriously and maintain social distancing which is key to avoiding contamination.

Members of the committee were given lecture on possible ways of contamination, symptoms and preventive measures of the virus.

Umoru also assured members of the committee that sensisitization will be carried out with the help of public address system across the communities in the Local Government. He appealed to the task force to go into their various communities and enlighten the people on the need to keep good hygiene and social distancing and also report any suspected victim to the appropriate authority. Meanwhile the Council Boss instructed that a platform for easy communication amongst members be created.

The Covid 19 task force team is made up of the following:

1. Hon. Don Oteh Umoru (Chairman)
2. Titilayo Margaret Afadama (Member)
3. Gomina Effisue John (Member)  Supervising councilor for Health
4. Dr. Ehighai Aigbe (Member) Director of PHC
5. Mr Samson John (Member) HOD Environment
6. Mr Godwin Oboh (Member) HOD Information
7. Mr Owaiye Samson (Member) HOD WASH
8. All Councilors (Members)
9. Traditional Rulers (Members)
10. Market Leaders (Members)
11. Religious Leaders (Members)

Several weddings and burials ceremonies planned for the period were cancelled and postponed indefinitely. Of note is the burial of the oldest man of one of the Andas in Igarra, which would have been marked with the appearance of the IDOWO deity. All of these were aside for now.

The Igarra community continues to believe that Oshomoshi has all powers over sickness and diseases, yet not without hope that a medical breakthrough will be announced soon.

The Churches in Igarra also joined others in going live on Social Media and holding online, instead of physical services.

The Igarra Kingdom, as a peaceful people, will continue to support Government’s efforts to contain this Corona virus. We all need to stay safe, stay home, and practice social distancing.