Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti state governments have rolled out preventive measures to protect lives and property during the 2025 rainy season.
This comes amid forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) predicting a high likelihood of flooding in many parts of the country.
NAN reports that the state officials highlighted a range of ongoing efforts including dredging of waterways, construction and clearing of drains, demolition of structures on flood paths, and public sensitisation on proper waste disposal.
Ondo Strengthens Emergency Systems
Wellington Adebawo, special assistant to the Ondo state governor on emergency response, said the government had adopted a coordinated, science-based, and community-focused approach to mitigate flood risks.
“We are not leaving anything to chance. Our goal is to prevent avoidable loss of life and property by taking early science-based, and community-focused actions,” he said.
“Public education drives are being conducted across flood-prone local government areas, educating residents on flood risks, evacuation routes, and early warning signals.”
Among the key interventions are community awareness campaigns, desilting of waterways, early warning systems, and refresher training for emergency responders and volunteers.
Adebawo noted that a local alert system is being developed to provide real-time flood updates. He added that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is working with federal bodies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), private security groups, and environmental NGOs to strengthen response capacity.
Osun Maintains Flood-free Record
Osun state, which recorded no flooding in 2024, is intensifying dredging and enforcement activities, according to Richard Oyegbami, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation.
“We have a dedicated department allocated to flood matters in our ministry called the department of flood control,” he said.
“We don’t wait until rainy season sets in before we start working to prevent flooding. Across all the local governments in the state, we ensure that all the drainages are open and cleared both in dry and rainy seasons.”
Oyegbami also noted that the state has deployed a radio awareness programme and established a taskforce to arrest individuals who dump refuse in waterways.
Ekiti Targets Rural Communities
In Ekiti, both short and long-term flood prevention strategies are being implemented. Tosin Ajisafe-Aluko, commissioner for environment, said the state is actively widening canals and enforcing environmental laws.
“We have been actively dredging waterways and widening canals to improve water flow and prevent water accumulation, particularly in flood-prone areas,” she said.
“It is also important adhering to environmental laws, including prohibition of dumping refuse in waterways, and prohibiting construction within specific distances of waterways.
“Sensitisations are underway to educate residents about the causes and consequences of flooding, and the importance of responsible waste disposal and construction practices.”
Ajisafe-Aluko added that the government is collaborating with federal agencies for improved disaster preparedness, while also addressing long-term drivers such as climate change and unsustainable land use.
The Ekiti State Environmental Protection Agency (EKSEPA) has completed dredging in flood-prone communities like Ido-Ekiti and Otun-Ekiti, with similar efforts ongoing in Aramoko-Ekiti.
Across the three states, officials emphasised that government action must be complemented by public responsibility.
Residents were urged to keep their surroundings clean, avoid building on waterways, and report blocked drainage systems.
Editorial1 year ago