NOA rallies community mobilisers to tackle heatwave, meningitis in Yobe
By Ahmed Abba
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) Yobe Directorate has advised residents to stay hydrated and adopt preventive measures to reduce health risks associated with rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions.
Its State Director, Alhaji Muhammed Tikau, made the call in Damaturu on Tuesday during the agency’s maiden meeting with Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs) drawn from the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.
Tikau emphasised the importance of community sensitisation as a critical tool in mitigating the effects of heatwaves, which have become increasingly frequent.
He tasked the COMOs with the responsibility of engaging local populations on the need for proper hydration and heat-related health precautions, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.
“The health implications of extreme weather are real. We must act now by sensitising our people on the importance of drinking water regularly and avoiding prolonged exposure to heat,” the director said.
Tikau said the meeting also provided a platform to review strategies for strengthening grassroots engagement and enhancing public awareness of various government policies and programmes.
The director also highlighted the need for intensified campaigns on the prevention of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), particularly in the heat-prone months.
He urged COMOs to educate communities on early detection, symptoms, and timely medical intervention to prevent possible outbreaks.
Tikau reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to proactive community mobilisation, describing it as key to promoting healthy living and enhancing the impact of government initiatives.
According to him, the agency will continue to work closely with local stakeholders to ensure communities are well-informed, equipped, and resilient in the face of public health and environmental challenges.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting marked a significant step in repositioning the agency’s grassroots operations to better serve the public.
NAN
