PRESS RELEASE FLOOD ALERTNESS IN OGUN STATE

  PRESS RELEASE

FLOOD ALERTNESS IN OGUN STATE

This Press Release is targeted towards intimating members of the public on the weather outlook in the coming months as regards the raining season that is upon us and its implication for the environment.

As we approach the climax of rainy season this year, the Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) metrological report predicted that Ogun State will experience flooding this year. And knowing the devastating impact of the previous flood disaster in the State, residents of the State are advised to prepare for flash flood during the month of July ,especially between 8thand 15th July, 2021. 

Also a high intensity rainfall is being expected in September, 2021 that will result into fluvial flood (river flood) because the soil would have been saturated by then and likely release of water from Oyan Dam will compound the rise in water level. 

In view of the above, residents of flood prone and wetland areas across the State especially at Abeokuta South LG (i.e Gbangba, Ijaye, Ijeun Tuntun, Isale-Oja, Kuto, Amolaso, Ijeja etc), Abeokuta North LG (Adedotun, Ago-Ika, Enugada, Totoro, Onikoko etc) and Obafemi Owode LG (Adigbe, Ofada, Magboro etc) Ijebu – Ode LG (Owa River Course and Yemule River Course), Ifo LG (Isheri, Wawa, Arepo, Akute, Alagbole etc), Odeda LG (Obantoko, Arakanga river and tributaries Ewekoro, Ado-Odo/Ota, Shagamu, Ijebu – East, and Ogun Waterside are hereby advised to temporarily make provision fora safe environment to avoid severe impact of this natural event. 

Farmers around the wetlands and river banks are also strongly advised to complete their harvesting before the above stated time to avert loss of their livestock and crops to flooding.

In addition, pedestrian and motorists in the State are advised to be cautious on the road while walking and driving to avoid accidents as the roads will witness high volume of storm water that will subside within minutes because adequate measures (like clearing of waterways to allow for free flow of the rivers/streams and desilting of drainage channel across the State) have been put in place by the State Government to mitigate the potential risk at this period. 

For instance the under listedRivers/Streams have been cleared to allow for free flow of water:

• Clearing of Sokori Stream and its tributaries, Abeokuta.

• Clearing of Odo Musa, Mokola, Abeokuta.

• Clearing of Arokoje Stream, Abeokuta

• Clearing of Orudu River, Adiyan, Ifo LG

• Clearing the Stream within Ogungbade CDA, Onihale

• Clearing of the Stream within Igbehin-Adun CDA, Owode via Sango, Ota

• Clearing of Igele River,  Ogun Waterside

• Clearing of the Stream within Ajerogun Community Development Association, Owode via Sango, Ota

• Clearing of the Stream within Divine Unity Community Development Association, Cele-Bus Stop, Onihale, Ifo LG etc

All the residents of the above areas are still enjoying a flood free environment since the rivers/streams in their domain were cleared of silts and their carrying capacities increased. Works are still on-going at various parts of the State.

Residents of the State are also advised to ensure the cleanlinessof the Drainage Channel within their domain and strictly desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse into the Drainage Channel and Water Courses before and during any occurrence of rainfall as this is one of the major factors responsible for urbanflooding in our environment.

The Ministry of Environment hereby announce to the general public the constitution of the State Flood Emergency Management Unit headed by the Director, Flood and erosion Control, Engr. I. A. Adenuga and he can be contacted via 08036401944, 09010480056.

Lastly, the State Government is developing a Drainage Master Plan for the State that will be launched any moment from now.

Thank you and God bless.

Mr. Ola Oresanya.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment.

29/06/2021