The Oyo State Government has intensified its public awareness campaign on heatwave safety following an alarming weather forecast from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which warned of extreme temperature increases across parts of the country.
Authorities say the latest advisory is necessary to help residents cope with the escalating environmental conditions and avoid preventable health risks linked to excessive heat.
According to the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, the rising heat is part of a broader climatic pattern affecting many regions in Nigeria.
He explained that temperatures have climbed as high as 41°C, creating serious concerns about public health and reinforcing the need for heatwave safety practices across communities.
The commissioner noted that prolonged exposure to such intense heat could trigger dangerous conditions including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
He emphasized that residents must take personal responsibility for their well-being by observing strict heatwave safety precautions, especially during the peak dry season when the sun’s intensity is at its highest.
To reduce exposure risks, residents are advised to limit outdoor movement, particularly between midday and late afternoon hours.
During these peak periods, staying indoors or in shaded areas is strongly encouraged as a core part of heatwave safety.
For those who must go out, protective measures such as wearing hats, using umbrellas, and seeking shade are essential.
Hydration remains a central element of heatwave safety. Aderinto urged residents to drink between two and three litres of water daily, even when they do not feel thirsty.
He explained that the body loses fluids quickly under extreme heat, and consistent water intake is critical to maintaining normal body functions and preventing heat-related illnesses.
He further encouraged people to incorporate water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables into their diets.
These foods not only improve hydration but also contribute to better temperature regulation, an important aspect of maintaining effective heatwave safety during periods of intense heat.
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Clothing choices also play a significant role in heatwave safety.
The commissioner advised residents to wear light, loose-fitting, and breathable fabrics that allow proper airflow and help reduce body heat.
Such simple adjustments, he noted, can significantly reduce the impact of extreme temperatures on the body.
In a strong warning, the government cautioned against leaving children, elderly persons, or pets inside parked vehicles.
According to the commissioner, internal car temperatures can rise rapidly within minutes, posing a severe threat to life.
This warning forms a critical component of broader heatwave safety awareness being promoted across the state.
Meanwhile, in a parallel development aimed at easing economic pressure on citizens, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved a ₦10,000 salary top-up for workers.
The initiative is designed to help offset the rising cost of living, particularly the increased transportation expenses resulting from higher fuel prices.
The governor announced that the payment will apply to workers under both state and local government systems and will run for an initial period of three months.
He explained that the decision reflects the administration’s commitment to supporting workers amid ongoing economic challenges, while also maintaining a balance between welfare and fiscal responsibility.
Makinde also noted that efforts are underway to explore ways of extending similar support to residents outside the formal workforce.
He said this approach is part of a broader strategy to ensure inclusiveness and fairness in the distribution of government relief measures, especially during difficult economic periods.
He made the remarks during the Youth Empowerment Agribusiness Programme (YEAP) Safer Disbursement Ceremony held at the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub in Oyo.
According to him, sustaining policies that improve citizens’ welfare remains a top priority as his administration gradually approaches its concluding phase.
Overall, the state government has combined environmental awareness with economic support, ensuring that while residents are encouraged to adopt heatwave safety measures, they are also cushioned against financial hardship.
This dual approach highlights a comprehensive response to both climate and economic pressures currently affecting the state.
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