By Peter Adedoyin
Following the Nigeria Meteorology Agency’s (NIMETS) predictions on this year's rainfall, the Ogun State government has warned residents living in flood-prone areas to relocate to a higher ground, in order to take precautions against flash floods.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya gave the warning while briefing newsmen on the efforts of the government against rainfall and flooding in 2022.
Oresanya disclosed that Ogun being a costal State, would experience prolonged rainfall that would be accompanied with flash flood in most part of the State, especially in the months of June and July, while the later coastal flooding may be compounded with the release of water from Oyan dam accompanied with high tide in the lagoon.
He listed the critical areas to include; Isheri, Akute, Warewa, Oke-afa, Owa and Yemule Riverbanks in Ijebu-Ode, Onihale in Ifo, Ogun Waterside, Ebute-kimobi in Ijebu-East and those living near flood plains of Sokori, Arankanga and Onikoko River in Abeokuta, Eruwuru in Sagamu, Ijamode, Isaka Owode-Yewa in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, advising people in the areas to take precautionary measures during this season.
Speaking on the efforts of government in combating the expected flood, Oresanya advised residents to stop the habit of dumping refuse on the road and drainage channels, while residents in flood prone areas must make adequate precaution to safeguard the vulnerable members of their communities, such as children, aged and physically challenged.
Oresanya added that canals and coverts have been constructed, rivers and canals have been dredged, while others have been desilted, and lots of erosion control projects have been embarked on.
He encouraged Community Development Associations (CDA) to educate their members on the need to always and properly evacuate their drainages in order to remove properties constituting restrictions to drainage channels.
He said the governor, have directed that the flood Emergency Management Unit, (FEMU) be decentralised into all the 20 Local Government Areas of the State to foster response to emergency calls during the raining season.
"While reiterating the commitment to protection of lives and properties of residents of the State through various activities, the State Government has taken measures to control problem of flood Statewide.
"Farmers, especially along the coastal areas and riverbanks are implored to take advantage of the weather outlook and plan the planting and harvest properly to prevent damages to their crop and livestocks".
"Motorists and pedestrians are implored to be mindful of the peculiarities of the season and be safety conscious while commuting during this period".
"Furthermore, His Excellency, Prince (Dr) Dapo Abiodun MFR, has directed that the Flood Emergency Management Unit, FEMU be decentralized into all the Local Government Areas of the State for faster response to emergency calls during the raining season".
"Ogun State as an agrarian State, looks forward delightfully to the season of rainfall to support our investment in Agriculture, Afforestation and Climate Change Adaptation Programs".
"The need for effective collaboration with the Government to prevent devastation of improperly managed rainfall and consequences of flooding is therefore compelling".
"The season of rainfall is not a curse but a blessing. Please support the State government to keep our State free of flood", Oresanya pleaded.
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