The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) predicted that the two seasons of rainfall this year will be between April and December, 2022.
According to the prediction, Ogun State, being a coastal State in the Country will experience prolonged rainfall that will be accompanied with flash flood in most part of the State, especially in the months of June-July while the later coastal flooding may be compounded with the release of water from Oyan dam accompanied with high tide in the lagoon.
Following these predictions, there is need for the general public, especially residents of the State to prepare for the likely impact of this year’s weather pattern.
Consequently, residents in wetlands areas with low rainfall infiltration such as lsheri, 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, Arakanga and Onikoko-River in Abeokuta, Eruwuru in Sagamu, Ijamido, Isaka Owode-Yewa in Ado- Odo Ota Local Government are advised to take precautionary measures during its 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.
Notable projects completed so far include;
• Construction of Culverts and Earth Drain within Ifeoluwa-Iloye CDA, Sango-Ota.
• Construction of Culverts and Earth Drain within Kajola- Egbejoda CDA in Adigbe Saraki.
• Erosion Control Project within Government Science and Technical College,Ijebu-Igbo.
• De – Flooding of Tai Solarin University of Education International School,Ijebu-Ode.
• Dredging of the Stream behind Nyangoa Barrack,Lafenwa.
• Dredging of a drainage path within Sam Ewang Estate.
• De-silting of Drainage Channels at Makun (Sagamu), Patterson Memorial Baptist Grammar School (Idi-Aba, Abeokuta), General Hospital (Oke jeun, Abeokuta),Sapon, (Abeokuta), Jaluba- Oja Ale and Oja Aro, Iperu.
• Erosion Control Project at Isewo CDA,Obada – Oko.
• Dredging of the Stream within Ediye Wo Coat in Sagamu.
• Dredging of Ebute Igbooro Stream, Kajola in Yewa North LG.
Other major ongoing projects are;
• Dredging of a portion of Olokuta stream from Ogun State Housing Estate, Kemta, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta.
• Dredging of Lakoro Stream, Isara,Remo North LG.
• Dredging of Ebute Imobi, Ijebu-East.
Additionally, the State Government has commenced intervention projects through the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, NEWMAP.
The World Bank counterpart financed project is centered on de-silting of Rivers and Streams across the 3 Senatorial areas of the State. The project areas considered are:
• Ogun East: De-silting and Clearing of Owa River, Ijebu-Ode, Uren River, Ikenne Ogbere/Aleyo Stream, Ijebu Igbo, Ijebu North Local Government Area.
• Ogun Central: De-silting and Clearing of Opa-Aro Rivers and its Tributaries and Adiyan from Alagbole under Bridge to Kara.
• Ogun West: De-silting and Clearing of Ijamido River and Erukomu Stream (Saka Village Via Tollgate),Ota, Ado-Oda/Ota, Gbogidi Canal, Ilaro and Baba – Elegun/Palaka Stream, Igbogila, Yewa North Local Government.
Following the notable efforts of the State Government on flood control and prevention, the citizens are hereby implored to stop the habit of dumping refuse on the road and drainage channels while residence in the flood prone areas must make adequate preparation to safeguard the vulnerable member of the community such as children, elderly one and physically challenged people.
Community Development Associations CDAs are also required to educate their members on the need to clean their drainages and remove properties constituting restrictions to drainage channels.
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.
The central response unit is domiciled in theMinistry of Environment while the responders in each Local Government is hereby attached.
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.
