Dare Babalola
The Ogun State Government has issued a warning to residents of communities along the Ogun, Ilo, Iju, Owa, Yemule Rivers, and other coastlines, advising them to relocate to safer environments between late September and early October due to expected flooding.
The warning is based on predictions of high rainfall and water release from Oyan Dam, which could lead to overflow and tidal variations in these areas.
The communities affected by the impending floods include Isheri, Warewa, Akute, parts of Abeokuta, Ayetoro, Itele, Iju, Makun, Oni, Iwopin, Igele, Ifaara (Ogun Waterside), Ebute-Imobi (Ijebu East), Tungeji Island, and Agosasa in Ipokia local government.
The warning was contained in the 2025 Ogun State Midterm Flood Alert Press Statement released this Sunday by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya to residents of the State as it prepares for the second phase of flooding.
The State Government, through Oresanya, has assured residents that it is taking all necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of the floods.
“The State government is on red alert, and we are working closely with relevant agencies to mitigate the impact of the floods. We urge residents to take necessary precautions and relocate to safer environments to avoid any harm,” said Oresanya.
Oresanya added that the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) predicted that September will have the highest rainfall of 204mm, followed by October at 190mm while by November the intensity of the rainfall wound have gone down to 93mm.
Oresanya also urged residents in these communities to avoid the usage of their boreholes and well waters at this period as they are subject to contamination due to the expected flooding and tidal variations.
He equally used the opportunity to call on fish farmers farming on flood plains of rivers and streams statewide to harvest their fishes to avert them being washed away by flood while fish farmers at Eriwe, Yemule, both in Ijebu ode, Ilase and Ayegbami in Yewa are equally advised to heed the advice without further delay.
