By Muhammad Amaan
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged the public to prioritise their safety during rainfall.
The agency’s Chief Search and Rescue Officer, Mrs Oluwadamilola Ajiginni, said this during the Nigerian Union of Journalists and News Agency of Nigeria (NUJ-NAN) 2026 Press Week Fitness Walk on Monday.
She further advised residents in flood-prone areas to move to higher ground.
“Whenever it is raining, stay out of the rain, especially water currents. If you are driving, please, don’t say, ‘I’m driving a jeep; it’s higher than the water, it will not carry me away.”
She urged Nigerians to prepare for rainfall by carrying appropriate protective gear such as raincoats, rain boots and umbrellas, stressing the need to remain cautious and safe at all times.
Mrs Ajiginni noted that high blood pressure was on the increase among Nigerians, including young people, making self-care essential.
Similarly, Dr Adedayo Osholowu, Medical Director, Kaisi Health, advised Nigerians to take more than 3,000 steps daily.
Dr Osholowu said exercise, healthy eating and adequate rest could promote a healthier and longer life.
He said regular exercise did not necessarily mean going to the gym, adding that activities such as walking and yoga could be done at home.
“Take more than 3,000 steps every day, and also take some time to de-stress and relax. Yoga is a great example of this.”
Osholowu advised Nigerians to eat healthy meals, while recommending at least six hours of sleep and daytime naps when necessary.
While delivering a lecture, Mrs Ogochukwu Ugochukwu, a Pharmacist with the Lions Club, District 404B4, described diabetes as a chronic metabolic disease characterised by high blood sugar, noting that it could affect anyone.
She explained that diabetes occurs when the body does not produce insulin, causing glucose to accumulate dangerously in the blood.
She identified Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes as types of diabetes.
“Diabetes itself is not the problem; it’s the poor management. If it is not well managed, it can lead to blindness, kidney failure, and even organ damage.”
Mrs Ugochukwu said physical exercise, portion control and adherence to prescribed medications were important in managing diabetes.
She advised people to exercise regularly, drink lots of water and reduce their intake of energy and carbonated drinks.
“As journalists, take the message far and wide. Let us inform the public about diabetes. Take health journalism seriously.
“Finally, I want you to see diabetes as one of your many investigative cases.”
The event featured the presentation of awards of recognition to the Lions Club, NEMA, LASTMA and the Medical Director, Kaisi Health.
