NOA Urges Jigawa Residents to Prepare for Flood Risks

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued a warning to communities in Jigawa State regarding the recurring threat of floods, particularly during the rainy season. Ahmad Ibrahim, the state director of NOA, highlighted that Jigawa is among the 14,000 communities across 33 states at risk due to heavy rainfall, which is exacerbated by climate change and human activities such as poor waste disposal and illegal construction in floodplains.

The agency is conducting a sensitization campaign to educate residents about flood mitigation and emergency preparedness. Ibrahim urged citizens to heed early warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), which has a 90% accuracy rate, and to maintain clear drainage systems to minimize flood risks.

The NOA plans to deploy community mobilization officers across the 27 local government areas to further educate flood-prone communities. Additionally, the agency is involved in a campaign against the misuse of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) for malnourished children, emphasizing the need for proper health practices.