March 21, (THEWILL) – The Ogun State government has issued a flood warning for 16 out of its 20 local government areas, urging residents in vulnerable communities to relocate ahead of the anticipated heavy rainfall this year.
Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, who disclosed this on Thursday, said the prediction was based on data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), which forecasts rainfall intensity between 965mm and 1,805mm across the state.
He listed high-risk areas, including Ijebu-Ode, Ota, Sagamu, Abeokuta, Ifo, and Ijebu-East, among others, stressing the need for residents to take proactive steps to avoid the dangers of flash floods.
Oresanya assured citizens that the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun remained committed to mitigating the impact of flooding through sustained interventions.
“Over the past five years, the state government has de-silted 988.3km of rivers, streams, and drainage channels. Additionally, 698m of concrete drainages and culverts of various sizes have been constructed to improve water flow and reduce flood risks,” he said.
He further revealed that efforts were ongoing to create additional tributaries for Ogun River and complete the dredging of Opa Aro River, with the first phase of work scheduled to begin in April.
“Already, the flood retention period in some affected areas has been reduced from an annual average of six weeks to three weeks in 2024. This is due to the approval granted by Governor Abiodun for the dredging of Opa Aro River as a pilot project to mitigate flooding in Isheri and its environs,” Oresanya added.
The commissioner also advised residents in Warewa, Isheri, Akute, Oke-Afa, Owa, Yemule, Ifara, Ebute Oni, Onihale, Makun, Iwopin, Ebute-Imobi, Ayede-Ayinla, Ifara, and Igele to relocate to safer locations before the peak of the rainy season.
He further cautioned motorists and pedestrians against crossing flooded roads, warning that building on natural water channels, indiscriminate waste disposal, and other environmentally harmful practices would only worsen the flooding situation.
Oresanya urged Community Development Associations (CDAs) to sensitize residents on flood prevention measures, emphasizing that everyone had a role to play in safeguarding lives and property.
