Yobe Govt Takes Rabies, Flood Prevention Campaign To Traditional Institutions

The Yobe State Government has taken its campaign against rabies, flooding, cholera and other climate-related health hazards to traditional institutions, seeking their support in mobilising communities and promoting preventive measures ahead of the rainy season.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Hajiya Salamatu Yahaya Nangere, led a delegation to the Emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Shehu Hashimi II Ibn Umar Al-Amin El-Kanemi, during an advocacy visit to the emir’s palace in Damaturu.

The visit formed part of the ministry’s statewide campaign on the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and community resilience.

Representing the Commissioner, Hon. Abdullahi Bego, the Permanent Secretary said the campaign was aimed at ensuring that communities were adequately informed and prepared for the anticipated impacts of the rainy season, particularly flooding and disease outbreaks that could be worsened by poor environmental conditions.

She said the campaign was also focusing on rabies and other preventable diseases, urging residents to maintain proper environmental sanitation, adopt safe practices and seek prompt medical attention when necessary.

Hajiya Nangere said traditional institutions were critical to the success of the campaign because of their influence and proximity to communities, particularly in mobilising residents, promoting behavioural change and ensuring that early warning and health messages reached households at the grassroots.

She appealed to the Damaturu Emirate Council to support the campaign by sensitising residents on flood preparedness, responsible waste disposal, personal hygiene, rabies prevention and other measures to reduce the impact of climate-related health hazards.

Responding, the Emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Shehu Hashimi II Ibn Umar Al-Amin El-Kanemi, commended Governor Mai Mala Buni for his administration’s grassroots approach to public health, environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

The Emir described the campaign as timely and pledged the support of the traditional institution in sensitising communities on rabies and disease prevention, environmental sanitation and measures to mitigate climate-related hazards.

The advocacy team included experts from the Ministries of Environment; Agriculture and Natural Resources; Health; Livestock Development; the Pilot Livestock Development Programme; and a representative of the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The experts provided guidance on climate change, flood preparedness, disease prevention, climate-smart agriculture and community-based measures for strengthening resilience against climate-related risks.