By Awyetu Asabe Hope
The Oyo State Government has urged residents to take precautionary measures following a severe heat stress alert issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, gave the warning on Monday in Ibadan, noting that the ongoing heatwave is part of a broader surge in temperatures across Nigeria.
According to him, daytime temperatures have risen to as high as 41°C, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration and heatstroke.
He advised residents to limit outdoor activities, particularly between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., when temperatures are at their peak, and to stay in shaded or well-ventilated areas.
Aderinto also urged residents to stay hydrated by drinking two to three litres of water daily and to consume water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables.
He further recommended wearing light, breathable clothing and using protective items such as hats, umbrellas and sunglasses to reduce heat exposure.
The commissioner warned against leaving children, elderly persons or pets in parked vehicles, noting that temperatures inside cars can rise rapidly to dangerous levels.
He also advised residents to watch for symptoms of heat stress, including dizziness, fatigue and nausea, and to check on vulnerable individuals.
Aderinto called for the protection of green spaces and encouraged tree-planting as a long-term measure to reduce the impact of extreme heat.
