The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has launched a nationwide sensitisation campaign, urging Nigerians to take seriously the flood alerts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
During the official unveiling of the campaign in Dutse, Jigawa State, the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by Mr. Williams Dogo, National Director of Legal Matters, underscored the dangers of poor drainage and careless waste disposal, which have worsened flooding in states like Kogi, Rivers, Anambra, Bayelsa, and Niger.
“NiMet’s predictions have shown a 90% level of accuracy. Nigerians must therefore pay attention to these forecasts in order to minimize disasters,” Dogo explained.
The awareness drive, which cuts across all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the 774 local government areas, will combine town hall meetings, physical interactions, and media strategies to spread vital information.
Part of the government’s spotlighted projects is the 2024 Presidential Flood Mitigation directive, which set aside ₦3 billion per state for flood control initiatives such as drainage clearance and relocation of vulnerable residents.
The DG also noted that the campaign promotes government social initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Conditional Cash Transfer, Industrial Training Fund, and National Youth Investment Fund.
He revealed that the security aspect of the campaign showcases the federal government’s commitment, with the recent deployment of 15,000 new personnel, drones, and armored vehicles to combat insecurity.
Frontpagenews.ng reports that Issa-Onilu also emphasized national re-orientation for students and youth, discouraging extremist tendencies while promoting patriotism and respect for Nigeria’s national symbols.
Additionally, NOA unveiled its digital push through a redesigned website and an AI assistant named “CLHEEAN” to extend outreach to citizens nationwide.
Jigawa State NOA Director, Ahmad Ibrahim, specifically called on communities to support government efforts by obeying NiMet advisories and adopting proper waste management practices to curb flood damage.
