The National Orientation Agency, NOA, in Ekiti State has sensitised residents on safety measures amid the intense heat wave currently being experienced across the state and other parts of the Southwest.
The State Director of NOA, Mrs Oluwakemi Akomolede, in a statement issued on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti, said the heat wave is occasioned by the global El Niño climatic phenomenon.
She urged residents to take precautionary measures to safeguard their health and livelihoods.
According to her, the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NiMET, has warned that the current El Niño has led to above-normal temperatures, with many states, including Ekiti, recording temperatures between 38°C and 41°C.
“El Niño occurs when Pacific Ocean waters become unusually warm, disrupting global weather patterns and resulting in prolonged heat, drought and irregular rainfall,” she said.
Akomolede noted that vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, pregnant women, farmers, market women and artisans are most at risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration and other heat-related illnesses.
She advised residents to drink sufficient clean water daily, avoid direct exposure to sun between 12pm and 4pm, wear light, loose and light-coloured clothing, use umbrellas and face caps, keep their environments ventilated and ensure proper food hygiene.
“We urge residents to pay special attention to children and the aged and desist from indiscriminate bush burning which could trigger fire outbreaks,” she said.
The NOA director also called on the state government, particularly the Ministries of Health and Environment, as well as relevant agencies, to scale up public enlightenment campaigns and strengthen emergency response at primary healthcare centres.
She called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and community-based organisations to support in disseminating the message in local languages for effective grassroots coverage.
“El Niño is a temporary climatic event, but its consequences can be severe if we fail to prepare. As a people known for resilience and communal care, we must look out for one another, stay hydrated, and stay safe,” Akomolede added.