Executive Director, Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET) Mr. Abolade Segun has urged students and youths to be at the forefront of the fight against Coronavirus.
He made this disclosure last week at a lecture organised by the Sustainable Development Club, The Polytechnic Ibadan.
The lecture was entitled:”COVID-19 Pandemic and the involvement of youths in SDG 16″.
According to him, youths are crucial to nation-building and as such, should champion the fight against the Coronavirus.
“The youth have great roles to play in the fight against Coronavirus. They should help in distributing relief materials, send verified information as against fake news, and serve as emotional therapists to others who cannot bear the weight of the psychological trauma caused by restriction. This will help reduce suicide and other emotional complications,” he said.
Urging youths to engage in research to learn more about the virus, he said there was need to volunteer for online sensitisation campaigns to help contain the virus at the grassroots.
He further advised youth to promote peace, justice and strong institutions at critical time like this.
“At this crucial time where restriction is placed on physical interactions and with increased emphasis on proper hygiene, youths are expected to know their various responsibilities and act accordingly,” he said.
He also urged them to seek various ways to understand the needs of others and gain the emotional capacity to assist.
He said: “With the sudden increase in emotional tension, high rate of depression and frustration caused by the novel virus, youths must seek several opportunities to understand the situation and have the emotional strength to help others.”
