Oyo State Government has issued a heatwave alert, urging residents to adopt precautionary measures following a severe heat stress warning from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

The state’s Commissioner for the Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, disclosed that the advisory became necessary due to the rising temperatures currently being experienced across the state and other parts of the country.

He noted that the heatwave is not peculiar to Oyo State but part of a broader nationwide weather pattern affecting several states in Nigeria.

According to the commissioner, daytime temperatures have risen to as high as 41 degrees Celsius, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, dehydration and heatstroke.

He described the situation as particularly dangerous during the peak of the dry season, when prolonged exposure to extreme heat could have serious health consequences.

Aderinto, therefore, called on residents to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to safeguard their health and well-being.

Besides, he advised people to limit their outdoor activities, especially between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. when the intensity of the sun is at its highest, adding that for those who must go out during these hours, he recommended staying under shade, particularly beneath trees or other natural coverings to minimise direct exposure to the sun.

The commissioner also emphasised the importance of staying adequately hydrated, urging residents to drink at least two to three litres of water daily, even if they do not feel thirsty, as dehydration can occur quickly under extreme heat conditions.

In addition, he encouraged the consumption of water-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, which help regulate body temperature and maintain fluid balance.

He further advised residents to wear light, breathable clothing to promote proper air circulation and reduce heat retention.

Aderinto, however, issued a strong warning against leaving children, elderly persons or pets inside parked vehicles, stressing that temperatures inside vehicles can rise rapidly within minutes and become fatal.
MEANWHILE, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved a N10,000 salary top-up for workers in the state to cushion the impact of the recent fuel price hike on residents.

The governor made the announcement yesterday in Ibadan, the state capital, stating that the intervention would run for an initial three-month period, beginning next month.

According to him, the decision was informed by the need to ease the financial burden on workers occasioned by rising transportation costs and general economic pressures.

Makinde said that the salary increase would apply to all categories of workers under the state and local council system, noting that the top-up would be implemented as a flat rate across the board.

He added that the government was also considering ways to extend the benefit to residents outside the formal public service, stressing that the intervention would be implemented to ensure inclusiveness.

However, Makinde further stated that as his administration gradually winds down, one of his key priorities remains the sustenance of policies that improve the quality of life for the people of Oyo State.
He stated this during the Youth Empowerment Agribusiness Programme (YEAP) Safer Disbursement Ceremony and Stakeholders’ Engagement held at the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub in Oyo.