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Lagos, Nigeria — April 25, 2019 — On April 25, 2019, World Malaria Day was observed with a significant event held at the Vanguard Newspapers premises in Lagos, marking a collective effort to combat malaria. This year’s commemoration involved a collaboration between the Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN), the Rotary Club of Gbagada, Vanguard Newspapers, and Oriade Local Council Development Area, among others.
World Malaria Day, established by the 60th Session of the World Health Assembly in May 2007, aims to enhance global awareness about malaria, its prevention, and control. This year, the theme was “Zero Malaria Starts with Me,” emphasizing the importance of individual responsibility in the fight against the disease.
The event kicked off at 10:00 AM with participants arriving from 9:00 AM. Mrs. Omason Dudu-Amuka, AGM (Admin and Legal) at Vanguard Newspapers, officially opened the event, highlighting the severe impact of mosquitoes in spreading malaria and urging attendees to engage fully with the day’s activities.
PECAN’s National President, PCO Olakunle Williams, addressed the audience, thanking all partners for their contributions. He stressed that achieving “Zero Malaria” requires collective action and underscored the importance of maintaining clean environments to prevent mosquito breeding. He emphasized that prevention is more cost-effective than treatment and encouraged everyone to embody the theme of the event in their daily lives.
Other notable speakers included Mrs. Basirat Giwa, President of Rotary Club Gbagada (2018-2019); Dr. Dele Balogun, National Coordinator of Rotarians Against Malaria; Sanitarian Somoye; Hon. Ayinde Maleek Ola, Supervisor for Agriculture and Social Development, Oriade Local Council Development Area; and PCO James Erondu, PECAN Vice President. They all spoke about the critical need for a clean environment to deter mosquitoes and prevent malaria.
The event featured the distribution of insecticide-treated nets to women and pregnant women in attendance, providing essential protection against malaria. During the event, PECAN members also conducted community service, including treating drainages, gutters, and bushy areas around the Vanguard Newspapers office.
Following the official ceremony, the convoy moved to Kirikiri Community, including Kirikiri Maximum Prison, Nigeria Police Station, and local markets within the Oriade Local Council Development Area, to continue community service and mosquito control efforts.
In appreciation of PECAN’s humanitarian efforts, the Vice Chairman of Oriade Local Council Development Area, Hon. Moshood O. Badmus, and his team thanked the association for its commitment to the community. In response, PECAN Vice President PCO James Erondu presented liters of public health chemicals to the Local Council Development Area.
The day concluded with participants leaving with the reminder that “Zero Malaria Starts with Me,” a slogan that resonated throughout the event and underscored the importance of individual contributions to malaria prevention.