As Nigeria grapples with an intense heat wave, Dr. Nonye Soludo, the First Lady of Anambra State, has issued a strong call for residents to adopt health precautions to mitigate the risks associated with extreme temperatures. Her appeal comes in light of alarming projections from the Climate Impact Lab, which indicate that Nigeria could face an additional 31,400 heat-related deaths between September 2026 and February 2027 due to the ongoing El Niño weather phenomenon.

In a statement released on Sunday, Soludo, who also heads the non-governmental organization Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, highlighted the need for heightened awareness, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, infants, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disease. These populations are at a greater risk of suffering from heat-related illnesses as temperatures soar.

The report from the Climate Impact Lab, published on September 22, 2026, warns that Nigeria is among the nations projected to experience the highest number of additional heat-related fatalities globally during this period. The Sahel region as a whole is expected to see nearly 66,800 deaths, with Nigeria accounting for almost half of that figure, underscoring the severity of the situation.

In her message, Dr. Soludo urged residents to take simple yet effective measures to protect their health. She advised people to stay hydrated, limit time spent in direct sunlight, wear light clothing, and ensure proper ventilation in their homes. Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of checking on vulnerable family members, especially during the hotter parts of the day.

As we head deep into a period of increased heat, I encourage every family to take simple but important precautions to protect their health," she stated. "If anyone shows signs of severe heat illness, move them to a cool place, begin cooling their body, and seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Dr. Soludo also reminded the public of Anambra’s emergency line, 112, urging residents to reach out for help when necessary. Her proactive stance aims to raise awareness and encourage community solidarity in the face of this environmental challenge, reinforcing that a little caution today can indeed save a life tomorrow.