The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Ekiti State has warned residents to take precautions against intense heat across the state, cautioning that prolonged exposure to high temperatures could trigger serious health complications. The agency said temperatures in some areas could reach between 38 and 41 degrees Celsius, citing warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
The state director of NOA, Oluwakemi Akomolede, in a statement signed by the agency’s Head of Media and Communication Department, Ronke Afebioye-Samo, attributed the prevailing weather conditions partly to the global El Niño climatic phenomenon. She warned that sustained heat could increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, while also threatening agricultural activities and food security.
Akomolede identified children, elderly people, pregnant women, farmers, market women and artisans as particularly vulnerable because of their exposure to the sun and other risk factors. She urged residents to drink sufficient clean water throughout the day and avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, particularly between noon and 4 p.m.
The NOA director also advised residents to wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and use umbrellas or face caps when outdoors. She urged households to keep their surroundings well-ventilated, maintain proper food hygiene and pay special attention to children and elderly family members during the hot weather.
Akomolede further warned against indiscriminate bush burning, noting that dry and hot conditions could increase the risk of fire outbreaks. She called for greater public awareness and collective responsibility to protect lives, livelihoods and the environment as the intense heat persists.
