Residents of Lagos, Enugu face extreme heat, amid power issues

The ongoing heatwave across parts of the country has left many struggling to cope with the unbearable weather

Reports by the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reveal that residents from various locations, including Ikorodu, Lekki, Isolo in Lagos, and parts of Enugu, described the daily struggle of coping with the unbearable heat and the financial implications of doing so.

They highlighted the high cost of energy, erratic power supply, and the necessity of frequent purchases like water, creams, and rechargeable fans as additional burdens.

Mr Elochukwu Egwu, a resident of Enugu, painted a grim picture of life without water or stable electricity.

“Everybody is feeling it. The worst case scenario is the segregation of people into different electricity bands (A, B, C). Most people don’t even have electricity to cushion the impact. 

Here in Enugu, water is a great challenge. Many people have to wait till night before they can take their bath because of the water challenge.

Some people sleep on top of their decked buildings to take fresh air,” Egwu said.

Mr Benjamin Mordi, a resident of Jakande Estate, Isolo, said the unbearable heat had forced his family to relocate their sleeping arrangement.

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“We spread a mat on the floor where we have been sleeping. Unfortunately, the light has not been stable,” he said.

Staying hydrated 

Amina James from Lekki said staying hydrated and cool has become a constant routine.

“The good thing is that I have been well-informed about hydration. 

“I drink a lot of water and bathe several times a day. I always go out with hand fans to bring down the temperature. 

“Every evening, I go out to get some fresh air. When there is no light, we make use of rechargeable fans,” Amina said. 

Mrs Olufunke Dada, a resident of Ikorodu, Lagos, shared how the heatwave had physically impacted her and disrupted her daily routine.

“When I go out, there is always water in my bag. Also, I wear sunglasses. The scorching sun is something else. 

“I usually stay outside, but whenever I am home, I stay under the tree. I spend more on dusting powder. 

“I sleep on the tiles, even with that. I bathe two to three times before dawn,” Dada said. 

Mr Efosa Aigbe, who also lives in Lekki, noted that the heatwave had been “scorchy” even with the use of air conditioning.

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He added that he had been drinking water at room temperature regularly to avoid dehydration.

Bola Yekini from Ikorodu said she had developed heat rashes due to the harsh weather.

“I take my bath almost every two hours until sunset. I drink a lot of water. I also got a rechargeable fan air conditioner that has helped a lot in reducing the effect of the heatwave on me,” Yekini said. 

Expert warns on climate pattern 

Prof. Emmanuel Oladipo, a retired professor of climatology, said heat waves are now a reality in Nigeria due to global warming.

“Government should do the needful to provide electricity. Nigerians should prepare for it by ensuring that they live in apartments that allow natural breeze, and they should always ensure that their windows are open for free flow of air,” Oladipo said. 

He also urged residents in the northern region to guard against meningitis during the heat period.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in its February 19 weather outlook, had warned of a prolonged heatwave, with maximum temperatures expected between 38℃ and 40℃ across the country.

The agency advised Nigerians to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, stay in cool environments, and ensure infants are well hydrated.

Residents of Lagos, Enugu face extreme heat, amid power issues

Troops destroy terrorists hideout in Taraba, kill 3 bandits

Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have neutralised three bandits, destroyed several camps, and recovered arms and ammunition in a daring clearance operation in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The operation which took place yon April 5, 2025 is in continuation of the ongoing military operations codenamed Operation Lafiya Jamaa aimed at flushing out criminal elements from Taraba State.

This is contained in a press statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Captain Olubodunde Oni.

According to the statement, the operation, which targeted suspected bandits’ hideouts, saw troops advancing to Achalle where they thoroughly cleared the general area before projecting further force into Chibi.

“On arrival at Chibi, the troops made contact with the bandits, who began fleeing upon sighting the advancing forces,” the statement read.

“In the engagement that ensued, three bandits were neutralized, and several makeshift camps used by the criminals were destroyed. Troops also recovered 2 motorcycles, 1 AK-47 magazine, and 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition from the scene.”

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The troops also conducted a thorough combing of the Dutsen Zaki and Achalle axis where over seventy criminal camps have been dismantled in recent weeks.

Oni stated that no human activity was observed during this latest sweep, indicating the sustained success of previous operations.

While commending the troops for their resilience and tactical success, the Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, reassured the people of Taraba State that there would be no haven for terrorists and criminal elements in the state.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding while continuing their lawful daily activities without fear or intimidation.

General Uwa further encouraged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, noting that such collaboration remains vital to supporting ongoing operations and enhancing the safety and security of communities.

Troops destroy terrorists hideout in Taraba, kill 3 bandits

Ban smartphones, social media in varsities, don advises authorities

Dr Saeed Olorunnisola, the interim Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Al-Hikmah University in Ilorin, Kwara State, has urged the federal and state governments to prohibit the use of smartphones in secondary and tertiary schools.

Olorunnisola stated that the prohibition will help students concentrate in class.

During the Mission for the Eradication of Examination Malpractice’s second national symposium in Osogbo, Osun State, on Saturday, Olorunnisola expressed concern about the impact of examination malpractices on education and national development, citing social media as a major impediment to students’ concentration even in secondary schools.

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“Social media is causing distraction in secondary schools. Tertiary institutions are the worst.  Students don’t care any longer. Some of them are taking photo shot of notes and they will not read them. They are usually on social media.

“What we have right now is a misuse of technology and it must be taken away. We have a university that has banned their undergraduate from using mobile phones,” he said.

Speaking on the need for government to act and assist young learners to concentrate in class, the don said ban on the use of smartphones by a particular university that he did not disclose eventually assisted its students to concentrate more in class.

In his remarks, Prof Buniyameen Abdulkareem, Chairman of the MEEM Board of Trustees, stated that the group, a non-governmental organisation founded by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria B-Zone, organised the symposium for policymakers, students, and teachers after realising the need to stem the tide of rising examination malpractices in the country.

Ban smartphones, social media in varsities, don advises authorities