As climate change intensifies environmental risks across Nigeria, Ondo State is taking proactive measures to mitigate its impact. The state government is echoing a critical message: early warning must lead to early action.
Hon. Wellington Oriade Adebawo, Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State on Emergency Response, emphasized the importance of aligning national meteorological services with grassroots disaster preparedness strategies. “Ondo State is committed to working with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to ensure that climate warnings reach our rural and urban communities.”
Adebawo noted that Ondo State has been proactive in collaborating with federal agencies, local stakeholders, and traditional institutions to conduct flood sensitization programs and distribute preparedness toolkits. “Preparedness is not a privilege—it is a necessity. If we wait for the storm to hit before we act, we lose lives.”
The recent NiMet statement declared, “The storm is already here,” a warning that Ondo State cannot afford to ignore. Adebawo called on all stakeholders in the state to step up their collaboration, not only to receive timely data but to translate it into action plans at schools, markets, and healthcare centers.
The aim, according to Adebawo, is to build a “fully informed and engaged citizenry” in Ondo State.
He concluded that as Ondo state is not exempted from increasing flood events, heatwaves, and shifts in agricultural patterns,the success in mitigating these risks will depend on the ability to act swiftly and decisively.
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