By The Oyo State Government has issued an urgent environmental health advisory, warning residents to take precautionary measures as temperatures rise to as high as 41°C across the state.
The advisory, released through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, follows a heat stress alert by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency indicating a surge in temperature affecting Oyo and several other states nationwide.
The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, said the ongoing heatwave poses significant health risks, including heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke, particularly during the peak of the dry season.
Hon. Aderinto explained that the extreme weather conditions are not limited to Oyo State but form part of a broader nationwide pattern of rising temperatures, urging residents to remain vigilant and prioritise their health.
He advised residents to limit outdoor activities, especially between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., when the sun is at its peak, noting that those who must go out should seek shade, particularly under trees, to reduce direct exposure to heat.
The commissioner stressed the importance of proper hydration, urging residents to drink water regularly, even when not thirsty, and consume water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables to help regulate body temperature.
He further recommended wearing light, breathable clothing and using protective items such as hats, umbrellas, and sunglasses, while also ensuring proper ventilation in homes and workplaces to minimise indoor heat buildup.
Hon. Aderinto warned against leaving children, elderly persons, or pets inside parked vehicles, noting that temperatures inside cars can rise rapidly to dangerous and potentially fatal levels within minutes.
Residents were also urged to monitor early symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and convulsions, and to seek immediate medical attention where necessary. He encouraged citizens to check on vulnerable neighbours who may require assistance during the heatwave.
In addition to immediate safety measures, the commissioner highlighted the environmental implications of the rising temperatures, calling on residents to protect green spaces and support tree-planting initiatives as a long-term strategy to mitigate heat effects.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, assuring residents that updates will be provided as weather conditions evolve.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) was established by an Act of the National Assembly: NiMet (Establishment) Act 2003 enacted on May 21, 2003, and became effective on June 19, 2003, following President Olusegun Obasanjo’s assent. The agency was created with the vision to be a world-class provider of weather and climate services for safety and sustainable national socio-economic development.
Its mission is to observe Nigeria’s weather and climate, while ensuring the timely and accurate observation, analysis, and reporting of weather and climate information for the safety of lives, property, and overall socio-economic development.
