Ogun Government Issues Urgent Flood Alert For Residents Along Riverbanks And Wetlands

In a proactive move to mitigate flooding, the Ogun State government has issued a new flood alert, the third of its kind this year. Authorities are advising residents in vulnerable areas—including Akute, Alagbole, Isheri, Magboro, Makogi, Orimerunmu, Iro, Kajola, and parts of Abeokuta, such as Lafenwa, Enugada, Adedotun, Iberekodo, Akin-Olugbade, and Ago-Odo—to prepare for potential overflow from the Ogun River between October 20 and November 3.

‎Ola Oresanya, the state’s Commissioner for Environment, announced today that the anticipated river overflow will result from a controlled release of water from the Oyan Dam. This decision follows heavy rainfall in northern Nigeria, which is expected to increase the volume of water being channeled toward the dam, further exacerbated by rising tidal levels.

‎Commissioner Oresanya emphasized the importance of caution during this critical period, urging residents to take preventive measures to protect their lives and property. He strongly recommended that those living near riverbanks refrain from entering these areas and that residents in wetlands seek higher ground or elevate their living conditions as the risk of flooding becomes pronounced.

‎To further alleviate pressure on affected communities, the Ogun State government has been actively dredging and clearing tributaries of the Ogun River, in collaboration with the Ogun Osun River Basin Authority, which manages the Oyan Dam. This ongoing maintenance aims to enhance drainage capacity and manage water levels effectively.

‎Oresanya noted that last year, the daily water release from the dam reached over 17,000 million liters at this time, compared to approximately 12,000 million liters this year. He highlighted the government’s careful management of water releases as pivotal in minimizing flooding challenges, even as they cannot entirely mitigate the inherent risks posed by natural weather patterns and climate change, particularly for a coastal state like Ogun.

‎With the flood tide expected to recede in approximately ten days, the Commissioner reassured residents not to panic while cautioning that the natural forces at play are beyond human control. Additionally, he urged fish farmers in the region to harvest their fish if they haven’t done so already to prevent significant losses as flooding looms.

‎This comprehensive alert underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety and reinforces the importance of community preparedness in the face of potential flooding.