The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Jigawa State has rolled out a comprehensive public education initiative aimed at enhancing community readiness for potential flooding during the 2026 rainy season. State Director Ahmad Tijjani Ibrahim made this known during a press conference held at the agency’s headquarters in Dutse.
Ibrahim explained that the campaign was prompted by forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which warned that severe flooding could impact numerous states and thousands of communities, including areas within Jigawa. He pointed out that recurrent flood incidents stem from both climate change and human actions such as improper waste disposal in drainage channels, inadequate stormwater systems, construction on floodplains, and deforestation.
As part of the initiative, the NOA will deploy Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers to all 27 local government areas to instruct residents, particularly those residing in vulnerable zones, on precautionary steps and emergency response protocols. Ibrahim urged the public to stay vigilant by monitoring weather bulletins issued by NiMet and to engage in proper environmental upkeep, including clearing clogged drains and planting trees to minimize flood hazards.
The director also called on the media to amplify the campaign through continuous public enlightenment efforts. In addition, he encouraged eligible citizens to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) drive conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which began on May 11 and will conclude on July 10, 2026. This exercise aims to enroll newly turned 18-year-olds and those who missed earlier registration windows, while also allowing existing voters to transfer their registration, replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and correct biodata inaccuracies.
Ibrahim emphasized that voter registration is a fundamental civic duty and urged all eligible individuals to obtain their PVCs to fully engage in the democratic process.