Governments of Oyo, Ogun, and Kwara states have put in place proactive measures to mitigate the impression of flooding following predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Company (NiMet) of doable heavy rainfall in components of the nation.
The state governments mentioned on Monday that public sensitisation, infrastructural interventions, and multi-agency coordination had been prioritised to cut back catastrophe dangers in flood-prone areas.
The Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) experiences that NiMet had forecasted elevated rainfall and potential flooding in a number of states between July and August 2025, urging governments to implement preventive actions.
In response, state officers in Oyo, Ogun and Kwara mentioned a collection of preparatory efforts had commenced to safeguard lives and property.
Mr Daniel Ajayi, Operations Officer of the Oyo State Emergency Administration Company (OYSEMA), mentioned the company had collaborated with related stakeholders to make sure an efficient response system.
“We’ve pre-positioned aid supplies together with foodstuffs, constructing supplies, and home goods in our warehouses to assist affected residents if flooding happens,” he mentioned.
Ajayi famous that medical groups, in collaboration with the Purple Cross, had been positioned on alert. He added that steady sensitisation campaigns had been ongoing by way of radio, tv, marketplaces, and public areas.
“We’ve additionally alerted residents in flood-prone communities to arrange for doable heavy rains,” he mentioned.
In keeping with him, the state authorities had cleared a number of river channels, significantly in high-risk zones, and warned residents in opposition to indiscriminate dumping of waste in drains.
Additionally talking, the Head of Operations, Nationwide Emergency Administration Company (NEMA) South-West, Mr Kadiri Olanrewaju, mentioned the company had carried out stakeholder engagements throughout affected native authorities areas in Ibadan, together with Lagelu, Ona-Ara, and Egbeda.
He mentioned, “The initiative goals to advertise early motion and preparedness. We’ve met with council chairmen and group leaders to develop coordinated responses.”
Olanrewaju burdened the necessity for inter-agency and inter-governmental collaboration, calling on native and state governments to take proactive steps.
“There may be an pressing must dredge waterways and deploy waste administration vans throughout the state. Many flooding incidents are preventable,” he added.
Mr Johnson Adekola, Technical Officer with the Ibadan City Flood Administration Challenge (IUFMP), mentioned the company had intensified its flood preparedness response since NiMet’s alert.
He mentioned main rivers comparable to Agodi, Ogunpa, Ogbere, Omin, and Onipepeye had been cleared to make sure clean water circulation.
“Our structural and non-structural interventions embody early warning programs, improved drainage channels, and sensitisation of residents alongside riverbanks,” Adekola mentioned.
In Ogun State, the Commissioner for Surroundings, Mr Ola Oresanya, mentioned the federal government had begun its annual flood preparedness marketing campaign since March, following NiMet’s prediction.
He acknowledged that rainfall within the state was anticipated to vary between 965mm and 1805mm, with dry spells projected between April and July.
“Flooding is a part of our seasonal cycle, and we should put together adequately. Our flood alerts assist residents anticipate intervals of heavy rainfall,” Oresanya mentioned.
In keeping with him, the primary rains peaked in July with over 360mm of rainfall, whereas the second section is anticipated in mid-August by way of September.
Oresanya defined that ongoing infrastructural interventions embody the de-silting of over 988.3km of waterways, development of 698 metres of drainage channels, and the dredging of the Opa Aro River.
“These efforts have diminished flood length in areas like Isheri from six weeks to a few weeks. We’re additionally working intently with group leaders and CDAs on the grassroots stage,” he added.
He urged residents, particularly in flood-prone areas, to heed relocation recommendation, noting: “We’re dedicated not solely to lowering flood impression but in addition to attaining zero fatalities.”
Mr Saheed Akiode, Zonal Director for NEMA South-West, additionally issued a flood alert, warning of doable flooding in a number of communities over the subsequent 28 days.
“We’ve mobilised all related companies, together with the Ministries of Water Assets, Surroundings, and Well being, to scale up preparedness,” he mentioned.
Akiode urged state governments to clear blocked canals, monitor weak communities, and stockpile aid supplies.
In the meantime, the Kwara State Authorities has suggested residents to remain alert in anticipation of heavy rains accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms.
Mr Agboola Olanrewaju, Director of Public Orientation within the Ministry of Communications, mentioned the state had launched into public sensitisation, significantly focusing on these residing close to rivers.
“Relocation of residents in weak areas is ongoing to stop avoidable lack of life,” he mentioned.
Olanrewaju additionally warned in opposition to motion throughout heavy rainfall and suggested residents to unplug electrical home equipment to keep away from energy surges.
He added that the state authorities was at the moment dredging the Asa River and clearing drainages inside the metropolis to boost flood management.
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