WITH the approach of the rainy season and predictions by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency that heavy rains may affect about 33 states and over 14,000 communities across the country, including Jigawa State, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in the state has announced plans to deploy its Community Orientation Mobilisation Officers across the 27 Local Government Areas to sensitise residents on flood mitigation and emergency preparedness.
News Point Nigeria reports that addressing a press conference in Dutse to officially flag off the sensitisation campaign, the NOA State Director, Ahmad Tijjani Ibrahim, said although flooding is a natural phenomenon, human activities have continued to worsen the impact of flood disasters in many communities.
According to him, factors such as poor drainage systems, indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways, construction on water channels, and excessive deforestation have contributed significantly to the recurring incidents of flooding.
The director stated that the agency would continue to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure effective, timely, and accurate dissemination of information relating to flood prevention and emergency response.
“We urge members of the public to strengthen environmental sanitation and embrace tree planting in order to minimise flooding,” Ibrahim said.
Speaking further, the NOA director also addressed the ongoing third phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, which commenced on May 11.
He urged citizens who had attained the age of 18 to take advantage of the exercise and register, assuring that the agency’s mobilisation officers would work closely with community structures to mobilise eligible residents to fully participate in the registration process.
“The National Orientation Agency urges all eligible voters to take advantage of the exercise to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs),” he explained.
Ibrahim added that the National Orientation Agency would continue to work closely with relevant agencies to minimise the incessant occurrence of flood disasters in Jigawa State.
