Adhering with public health precautions to discourage the spread of the coronavirus, the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Professor Chike Edozien has directed for temporary suspension of the traditional breaking of Kolanuts in the community.
The monarch, a profession of medicine, gave the directive yesterday when a delegation from Delta State Ministry of Health paid him a visit heralding their awareness campaign on the pandemic.
According to the Asagba, the reason for the suspension of that aspect of tradition was because it involved direct communal contacts as people were expected to dip hands into the same bowl.
“That will not be consistent with the rules of medical advice, that we have at this period and for that reason, a temporary suspension has been placed on the breaking of Kolanuts.”
Worried by the rate of its spread, Professor Edozien warned that if strict precautions were not taken, the coronavirus scourge could affect communities with dire consequences.
“It is very important that we follow the directions which have been given by the World Health Organization and the Federal Government. If we fail to comply, the results will be hazardous. The monarch added.
While directing all community heads to spread the message of precautions to quarters, villages and clans, the monarch worried that neighbouring Edo State had confirmed a case of coronavirus.
