The Onuesoke Foundation has caution Nigerians on the impact of heat wave as the nation approach the dry season. The foundation, which specialised in campaign on climate change and impact on the environment, has advised Nigerians to be prepared against causalities of heat wave as reported in media.
The Founder of Onuesoke Foundation, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, quoting report from the media said Nigeria could record an additional 31,400 heat-related deaths between September 2026 and February 2027 as an unusually strong El Niño weather pattern intensifies as reported by the Climate Impact Lab.
Onuesoke, who made the pronouncement during a visit to his community of Agbarha-Otor in Ughelli North local government area of Delta state disclosed that heat wave is caused by climate change as a result of cutting trees and industrial pollution among others.
He stated that with climate change as the underlying driver of more frequent and dangerous heat waves, long-term solutions must include a rapid transition to clean energy and growing of trees with increasing renewable technologies and improving natural resources management.
Onusoke advised that immediate solution to casualties of the expected heat wave include health outreach to vulnerable people, provision of cooling centres, hydration stations, protections for workers and increased health system capacity are measures that could help reduce the toll.
He equally highlighted heat early-warning systems and action plans that enable health officials to visit vulnerable residents, expand water availability and monitor symptoms associated with extreme temperatures.
The former Delta State gubernatorial aspirants advised governments to invest in measures that could protect people during the immediate period of extreme heat and prepare communities for rising temperatures in the longer term.
He said immediate mitigation and adaptation measures are essential to manage the impacts of heatwaves, adding that to unlock adequate action, Government must fulfill their commitments to climate finance and loss and damage provisions for the regions most affected by climate extremes.
Onuesoke explained that adaptation methods could include early warning systems, cooling centres, public water drinking stations and training for medical professionals to deal with heat-related illnesses.
“Meanwhile, the adoption of heat-tolerant crops and disaster insurance can enhance the resilience of farmers’ livelihoods and food security. For urban areas, it can include transitioning to cooling materials for roofs and pavements and expanding green spaces and corridors,” he advised.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/10/onuesoke-foundation-warns-on-impact-of-heat-wave