By EGBUNA MUJEKWU, ONITSHA
The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), popularly known as Pyrates Confraternity, has embarked on a malaria-control and environmental sanitation campaign in Onitsha, Anambra State, as part of efforts to promote healthy living and curb diseases associated with poor sanitation.
The initiative, carried out by members of the Onitsha Chapter, also known as Mekados Deck, covered several thoroughfares within the Onitsha Inland Town metropolitan area.
Fumigation, waste removal take centre stage
As part of the intervention, NAS members carried out fumigation activities, removed waste materials and distributed refuse bags to residents to encourage proper waste disposal and sustained environmental cleanliness.
The association also undertook activities aimed at reducing mosquito breeding sites and harmful vegetation around urban waterways.
The community response to the exercise was positive, with residents commending the association for complementing government efforts in addressing public health and environmental challenges.
Speaking during the exercise, the Chapter President, Chief Ugochukwu Ugwunnadi, said the intervention was designed to reduce malaria incidence while encouraging residents to adopt better environmental sanitation practices.
Ugwunnadi explained that the programme underscored the important role community-based organisations could play in supporting public health interventions and improving environmental conditions.
‘Clean environment can reduce malaria burden’
He noted that malaria treatment and waste management impose significant economic burdens on individuals, families and government, stressing the need for community-driven solutions to the challenges.
The NAS chapter president therefore called on Ndi-Anambra to actively participate in sanitation activities and other community initiatives capable of promoting healthier living environments.
Corroborating him, the First Vice President of NAS, Sir Christopher Ibeziakor, stressed the importance of unity and collective action, encapsulated in the association’s mantra, “One NAS, One Ideology.”
He said cooperation among members, residents and other stakeholders remained essential to achieving sustainable environmental health.
Association seeks residents’ commitment
The Project Coordinator, Hon. Uyanneh Francis Xmai, highlighted the dangers of poor sanitation, particularly its contribution to mosquito proliferation and other public health risks.
Xmai said the initiative was aimed at instilling greater environmental responsibility among residents and encouraging them to take ownership of the cleanliness of their communities.
According to him, maintaining a clean environment is essential not only for individual well-being but also for the health and safety of the wider community.
He added that the campaign was also designed to raise public awareness about proper sanitation practices and mobilise collective action towards a healthier Onitsha.
More interventions coming
The association disclosed that the Onitsha NAS team would undertake further activities over the next two months in collaboration with other organisations and community stakeholders.
The planned engagements, it said, are aimed at sustaining the gains of the current campaign and deepening community participation in environmental sanitation and public health initiatives.
The association stressed that tackling malaria, indiscriminate waste disposal and other environmental health challenges requires sustained cooperation among government agencies, community organisations, residents and other stakeholders.
Tags: NAS, Onitsha, Malaria Control, Environmental Sanitation
