By Our Correspondent
National News – The National Orientation Agency has warned residents of flood-prone communities in Jigawa State to stop activities that worsen flooding as the rainy season intensifies across the country.
The warning followed predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency that heavy rainfall could affect more than 14,000 communities in 33 states, including Jigawa.
The agency disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists held in Dutse on Monday.
The state director of the NOA, Ahmad Ibrahim, said the awareness campaign is designed to educate residents on flood prevention, emergency preparedness, voter registration and the misuse of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food.
He explained that the campaign became necessary because flooding continues to destroy homes, farmlands and public infrastructure in several communities across Jigawa every year.
According to Ibrahim, flooding is often intensified by human activities such as dumping refuse inside drainage channels, building on waterways, poor maintenance of drainage systems and widespread deforestation.
He stressed that these practices increase the impact of heavy rainfall and expose more residents to danger during the rainy season.
The NOA director revealed that Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers would soon begin sensitisation campaigns in all 27 local government areas of the state.
He urged residents to follow weather advisories issued by NiMet and participate in environmental sanitation efforts by clearing blocked drainages and planting more trees to reduce erosion and flood risks.
Speaking on voter registration, Ibrahim stated that the Independent National Electoral Commission resumed the third phase of Continuous Voter Registration on May 11, 2026, and the exercise will continue until July 10, 2026.
He encouraged eligible Nigerians, especially first-time voters and those seeking PVC corrections or transfers, to take advantage of the exercise.
He also warned against the illegal sale and misuse of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food meant for malnourished children, noting that its diversion could endanger vulnerable children across the state.
