By Abdullahi Suleiman Otiwe
Amidst the Coronavirus global pandemic, a 21-year old 200 Level student of University of Agriculture, Makurdi,€ Joseph Julius Chibiojo, has developed automatic hand sanitizer dispenser from recycled scraps
An indigene of Ajaka in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State Chibiojo’s innovation will help curb the spread of Covid-19, frequent sanitizing of the hands.
Julius Chibiojo took to his Facebook page on 24th July 2020 with the pictures and video clips demonstration of his innovative hands free sanitizer dispenser developed from recycling materials/scraps.
He called on those in privileged positions to look into his innovative ideas as well as the numerous talents of indigenous Kogi youth for technological growth of the State.
Imbued with passion to leverage on his community from contracting the dreaded Covid-19 -although the Kogi government has maintained the state is Covid-19 free- however, his innovation calls for responsible action on the part of the tate government to tap into the talents of Kogi youth.
Describing his innovation, Julius Chibiojo stated that “the dispenser works by dropping sanitizing liquids through its nozzle into the hands whenever it senses shadows of the hands and stops immediately the shadow disappears.
According to him, the device was developed from numerous materials he recycled; from rechargeable batteries, charging board, solar panel, rubber container of about 60cl, light indicator which also displays when dispensing the liquids. The body of the device is constructed in a wooden box in a rectangular shape.
Reacting to his motivation for the innovation, he said “since the lockdown, staying at home and doing nothing has been very challenging, hence “I thought of practicing the knowledge I accumulated so far,” adding that”right now in my community, not many people are not aware of the Covid-19 safety measures of hand sanitizer and I realised it is not a fight for the government alone”.
The 21-year old Julius Chibiojo called on the Kogi State government and well- meaning individuals to support his innovation not only for the immediate Covid-19 challenges but for his dreams of turning Kogi State into technologically advanced state for the benefit of his people.
He used the opportunity to create awareness about a Helicopter project he has developed but was financially challenged from completing the project.
Abdullahi Suleiman Otiwe is from Kogi State.