The National Orientation Agency has urged Nigerians to take flood warnings seriously, stressing that poor drainage systems and indiscriminate dumping of refuse continue to worsen the impact of natural disasters across the country.
Speaking in Gombe, the Director-General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by the Director of Special Duties and Zonal Coordination, Dr David Akoji, said flood preparedness has become a national priority following devastating incidents in states such as Niger, Kogi, Rivers, Anambra, and Bayelsa.
“NiMet has continued to issue early warning advisories with over 90 percent accuracy, but too often, our people ignore them.
“We urge Nigerians to pay attention to these alerts. Adherence can save lives, property, and livelihoods,” Issa-Onilu said.
He recalled that the Federal Government had released ₦3 billion to each state in 2024 for drainage clearance and relocation projects under the Presidential Flood Mitigation Directive.
“That intervention was designed to reduce the human and infrastructural cost of flooding. But without community cooperation, the impact will remain limited,” he explained.
On national security, Akoji noted that significant progress had been made through the deployment of drones, armored vehicles, surveillance technology, and over 15,000 new security personnel nationwide.
“The Armed Forces are establishing specialised units for rapid response. The Renewed Hope Security Architecture is about speed and precision in tackling threats,” he said.
The NOA also announced nationwide campaigns on national values, security awareness, and respect for national symbols. According to Issa-Onilu, these initiatives will reach at least three million Nigerians per state through town hall meetings, advocacy visits, motor park rallies, and school engagements.
“We want to instill respect for the flag, the Naira, and our national anthem. Patriotism is not an abstract idea; it is expressed daily in how we treat our country and each other,” he added.
He further stressed that the campaigns would cover all 36 states, the FCT, and the 774 local government areas, targeting students, youth, traditional rulers, and religious leaders.
“Flooding, insecurity, and moral decline are not just government problems—they are collective challenges. Together, through awareness and responsible behavior, we can build a safer and stronger Nigeria,” the NOA DG concluded.
The Gombe State Director of NOA, Adaline Waye, said the agency is enlightening residents on five thematic areas.
“Government policies, programmes and activities; National values re-orientation for students of secondary schools and tertiary institutions against sign out extreme practices; flooding mitigation; The Nigerian identity project and national symbols and National security awareness towards achieving improved security consciousness in our communities,” She added.
