Anambra State First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, has called on residents to adopt preventive measures against heat-related illnesses as rising temperatures continue to pose health risks across the country.
Soludo, who founded the non-governmental organisation Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, urged families to pay particular attention to vulnerable groups, including babies, elderly people and individuals living with hypertension, diabetes and kidney disease.
Her warning comes amid projections of a significant rise in heat-related fatalities in Nigeria due to an unusually strong El Niño weather pattern expected to intensify in the coming months.
A report by the Climate Impact Lab, published on September 22, 2026, estimates that Nigeria could record an additional 31,400 heat-related deaths between September 2026 and February 2027.
The report, titled “451,000 at Risk: Where Action Can Save Lives During the Super El Niño,” projects 451,000 additional heat-related deaths globally between June 2026 and February 2027 compared with a normal year.
Nigeria is expected to account for nearly half of the 66,800 additional deaths projected across the Sahel region, placing the country among those likely to experience the highest number of heat-related fatalities worldwide during the six-month period.
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In a statement issued on Sunday, the first lady advised residents to drink sufficient water, limit their exposure to direct sunlight, wear lightweight clothing and ensure their homes have adequate ventilation.
She also encouraged people to monitor the wellbeing of family members and seek emergency assistance when symptoms of severe heat illness occur.
She said, “As we head deep into a period of increased heat, I encourage every family to take simple but important precautions to protect their health.
“Stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, wear light clothing, and keep your homes well ventilated.
“Please pay special attention to the elderly, babies, and persons living with hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disease, as they may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.
“Also, check on your loved ones, especially in the mornings and evenings. If anyone shows signs of severe heat illness, move them to a cool place, begin cooling their body, and seek emergency medical attention immediately.
“Anambra’s emergency line is still 112. Remember that a little caution today can save a life tomorrow.”