Drought, Floods, Cholera: Yobe Govt Takes Climate Preparedness Campaign To Traditional Institutions

The Yobe State Government has launched a statewide climate preparedness advocacy campaign through traditional institutions to strengthen community resilience against drought, flooding, cholera and other climate-related hazards ahead of the 2026 rainy season.

The campaign, led by the Yobe State Ministry of Home Affairs, Information and Culture, is aimed at mobilising traditional rulers to champion public awareness on disaster preparedness, environmental sanitation, climate resilience and adherence to early warning advisories at the grassroots.

Leading the advocacy delegation on behalf of the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Hon. Abdullahi Bego, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Hajiya Salamatu Yahaya Nangere, said the initiative reflects Governor Mai Mala Buni’s commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods through sustained public enlightenment on the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP).

She disclosed that climate forecasts indicate that flooding could affect 12 Local Government Areas of the state, with Geidam, Gulani and Yunusari expected to be among the worst-hit communities urging residents to adopt proactive measures to reduce the risks of flooding, cholera, malaria and other climate-related health challenges through improved environmental sanitation, proper waste disposal, personal hygiene and strict compliance with early warning advisories.

Hajiya Nangere explained that the decision to engage traditional institutions was informed by their strategic role in mobilising communities and influencing positive behavioural change, describing royal fathers as indispensable partners in promoting disaster preparedness and climate resilience.

At the Palace of the Emir of Fika and Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa, the royal father, represented by the Maiyasa of Fika, Alhaji Muhammadu Idriss, conveyed the Emir’s appreciation to Governor Buni for prioritising climate resilience and environmental sustainability through sustained public awareness and environmental initiatives.

The Emir described the advocacy campaign as timely in view of the increasing threats posed by climate change and called for intensified tree planting across the state, noting that afforestation remains one of the most effective strategies for combating desertification and mitigating the impact of climate change.

Similarly, the Emir of Bade and Deputy Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Suleiman II, called for the desilting of River Yobe and stricter enforcement of laws against indiscriminate tree felling to reduce the risks of drought and flooding across the state.

Receiving the advocacy team at his palace in Gashua, the monarch commended the state government’s decision to take climate awareness campaigns to traditional institutions, describing the initiative as timely and strategic in promoting public understanding of climate risks and encouraging collective community action.