Monarch advises Nigerians to use mosquito nets

Mr Peter Angbazo, the District Head of Wakama in Nasarawa state, has advised Nigerians, particularly pregnant women, to use mosquito nets to guard against contacting Zika virus and other diseases.

Angbazo gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in his palace in Akun Development Area of the state on Friday.

He said the advice was imperative due to the negative effects of the Zika virus and other diseases on human lives as well as on the socio-economic development of the country.

"It is our role, not only to preach and ensure peace, unity, progress and the development of the country, but also to advise our subjects on the need to adhere strictly to any positive advice by the government relating to our health.

"I could remember that during the outbreak of Ebola virus in the country, the government, stakeholders, healthcare experts and even we, the traditional rulers, advised our subjects to adhere strictly to environmental hygiene and constant washing of hands with clean water.

"Now we have been hearing of the Zika virus caused by mosquitoes and we also heard that the mosquitoes carrying the virus are in Nigeria.

"It is in view of this that I want to advise Nigerians, especially pregnant women, to use mosquito nets so as to protect them against the virus.

"Doing this, Nigerians will protect themselves from mosquito bites, as prevention is the most effective means of checking its transmission,” he said.

Angbazo also urged Nigerians to work towards improving on the sanitation of their environment and personal hygiene in order to prevent disease outbreak.

Speaking on issues bordering on security, the traditional ruler called on the people of the state and Nigerians at large to learn to live in peace and tolerance, irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliations.

"Nigerians should be law abiding; we should respect constituted authority and support government at all level irrespective of our background.

"This is needful because every government needs the support and cooperation of its people to succeed,’’ said the monarch.