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OGUN, Nigeria - The Ogun State government has issued a flood warning to residents, urging them to remain alert and attentive to their surroundings, as the state is recognized as one of the major flood-prone regions in Nigeria, based on assessments released by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
During a media briefing in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, conveyed this warning, emphasizing that the flood alert is part of the ministry’s strategies for adaptation and mitigation to inform citizens about the susceptibility of various communities and settlements across the state.
He noted that the ministry is required to issue annual flood alerts to raise awareness among residents regarding flooding and its detrimental effects on both the environment and the socio-economic conditions of the populace.
Furthermore, he stated that to further reduce flooding in the wetland areas of Isheri, Akute, and Warewa, the state government has finalized plans to create additional tributaries for Ogun Rivers and to complete the dredging of the Opa Aro River, with the project scheduled to begin in phases in April, alongside the de-silting of the Banku River to Majidun and Mawarere.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has recommended that Community Development Associations (CDAs) and landlords clear their nearby drainages to prevent flooding as the rainy season approaches.
The agency’s Head of Operations in Ibadan, Kadiri Olanrewaju, provided this counsel during an interview with reporters.
Olanrewaju urged waste management agencies at both local and state levels to act swiftly in cleaning dirt from drainage systems, river channels, and canals.
In addition, Margaret Adebukola, the National Coordinator of the Whole Planet Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), has called on citizens to take responsibility for maintaining proper drainage systems in their surroundings.
