Rather than flout regulations to stay at home during the 14 days lockdown as ordered by the Federal Government, women have been urged to use the period as an opportunity to set priorities right, bond with every member of the family and build budding talents
The charge was given by Chioma Obiefuna, CEO of Kristafield Event while addressing female journalists under the platform of Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Lagos State Chapter during its monthly congress which held online.
While speaking, Obiefuna explained that as women professionals, it could be difficult to remember any point in time they have stayed at home for such a long time even if on work, maternity, or sick leave, and as such, could be quite overwhelming.
She identified Setting Priorities, Bonding, discovering new talents, building rituals into your time and creating a ‘me’ time as some of the things women could do to utilize the free time that the stay at home order has created.
She explained that, “due to the rigid work life style and traffic in Lagos, we do not have enough time to bond with the kids and partners. This is the perfect time to do so. This bonding can take place during board games, cooking, etc.
“Also, I’m sure most of us are already discovering some certain things we do not know we can do. So this is time to write that new book, start that new painting, work on that recipe, etc
“For those whose partners are with them during this lockdown, this is also a perfect time to have time for them, know what has been going on with them, simply you and your partner time.”
On building rituals into time, Obiefuna explained that this simply means this is a perfect time to create a timetable for home, so everyone knows this is meal time, reading time, TV time, games time, etc
“The ‘me’ time, remember, amidst all these, you still need time for yourself. You need to meditate and get all this together. Cause energies are sapping, running around and making sure all is in order at home, you need an hour each day for yourself, probably to meditate, read, soak yourself in a bath. Just you and you alone!
She advised that if the lock down lingers beyond the initial 14 days, “you should come up with several ways to help you maintain a good relationship, rules and regulations at home to help keep everyone sane at home during this period.”
In her address, Mrs. Adeola Ekine, Chairperson, NAWOJ Lagos also charged the women to “stay safe, wash our hands regularly, maintain social distance and good hygiene in our homes.”
She noted that, “as we go about our daily activities, let’s remember that COVID-19 has no vaccine yet, so let’s stay safe and follow strictly the tips that have been shared because prevention us always better and cheaper than cure.”
Mrs. Ekine also enjoined journalists who are on the field covering the pandemic, to stay safe and adhere to all precautionary measures.