As a result of the heavy flooding that has occurred this year, the government of Ogun State has issued a warning that 23 communities within the state and bordering communities in Lagos are likely to be affected by the water. On April 26, Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, issued the warning during an address to the media on the state’s Annual Flood Alert. The affected communities include Onikoko, Sokori, and Arakanga regions in Abeokuta, the Owa and Yemule riverbanks in Ijebu-Ode, Eruwuru in Sagamu, Ebute Kimobi in Ijebu East, Isaka Owode in Ado Odo Ota, Owode, Igijo, Ilaro, and Ijoko.
The commissioner estimates that the first flash floods caused by heavy rainfall would hit the areas between April and July. There will be long-lasting effects from the second season of rains in September through November on wetland areas such as Alagbole, Akute, Isheri, Warewa, Oke-Afa, Mowe, Ibafo, Kara, Onihale, Ebute Kimobi, and Riverside Estate. The commissioner warned that these places would be prone to coastal flooding as a result of a combination of rising sea levels and the likely release of excess water from the Oyan dam, which is blocked by the tidal lock of the Ogun River at Lagos Lagoon.
Due to the 2022 flood, several deaths and displacements were recorded.
He suggested that those living in these area should get ready to move elsewhere if it becomes required temporarily. In addition, he recalled the enormous flooding that occurred in Nigeria in 2022, which resulted in over 600 deaths and the displacement of over 2.4 million people. Additionally, in February, the ICIR released a report stating that 32 states, including Ogun and Lagos, are at risk of flooding in 2023. Therefore, the commissioner urged residents of flood-prone areas to refrain from using water from unsecured wells and boreholes to limit the spread of illness.
Also, in his briefing, he praised the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, citing his commitment to environmental best practices as a key reason why the state was mostly unaffected by the floods of 2022. He urged the people not to do anything that would obstruct water from reaching its destination. Residents are urged to use the dependable services offered by the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) as well as the Private Sector Participants (PSP) instead of dumping waste into storm drainage channels or waterways.
Much attention and precaution are needed to alleviate the floods impact.
Another problem is the construction of buildings along run-off pathways, erecting temporary buildings and containers there, or expanding a business on top of a drain in a market or another public area. Additionally, there is a necessity for caution with regard to other man-made challenges, such as improper digging of sand along waterways, particularly in developed environments, chaotic agricultural practices, constructing on the pathways of streams and rivers, and not adhering to transportation advice during periods of rainfall.
Speaking on realizing the cross-border effects of flooding, he assured state residents that they have effective cooperation with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) management as well as those in the neighbouring States of Lagos and Oyo, particularly in relation to the discharge of water from Oyan Dam. When it becomes necessary for OORBDA to release the water that has been held back beyond the daily thresholds for safety reasons, residents will be given the appropriate amount of notice in advance.
FG and NEWMAP contributions receive commendations.
Lastly, the commissioner called for additional financial support to carry out the correction of most of the channel problems throughout the state while at the same time expressing gratitude for the fact that the Presidential Committee for the Development of a Comprehensive Plan of Action for Preventing Flood Disaster visited the state as well as the significant contribution of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) assistance project in the state which is aimed at preventing flood disaster.
Related Links
Ogun State: Website
Snopes.com
Lagos communities are prone to flooding. – Many of the impacted communities might need to vacate their residence. – Express your point of view.
To mitigate the impact of flooding in Lagos, the government should have in place sustainable urban planning, ensuring that sustainable infrastructure is put in place and facilities such as drainage are properly constructed, properly used and maintained.
Many people need to vacate from house due to flooding they should try and move else where in other to safe their from flooding government should do everything possible to stop flooding from destroying people homes
Blocked drainage is the major cause of excess flood in Lagos. Lagos is where you’ll find people dropping their refuse Ij gutters that ends up blocking the drainage from free flow of water
It is the responsibility of the government to implement resilient urban planning and maintenance of essential services like drainage, and that will be great for everyone living in the environment.
It would be wonderful if the government had the ability to provide financial assistance in order to accomplish the necessary remediation of the majority of the channel difficulties that exist throughout the state.
Flooding is a major problem in Lagos especially around Victoria Island and it should be tacked because each time it occurs it destroys lots of lives and properties, I hope something is done about it because it’s terrible.
A clear warning and prompt information has been issued out by the state government of Ogun State of the possibility of flooding due to heavy down pour and the release of Oyan dam to aforementioned areas listed above to avoid a repeated scene of the year 2022. It will be better if the people in these areas will adhere to the instruction to avoid lost of lives and properties.
The people residing in the flood prone areas of Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Lagos has been informed by the State Government of Ogun state of possible flooding as a result of heavy rainfall and the opening of the blocked dam of Oyan. The people in the listed areas above should respond positively to prevent lost of lives and properties. Government should work toward removing every obstruction to the free flow of water during the raining season.
It is of no surprise that Lagos area are prone to flooding because the area is surrounded by large water and people are continually building houses on water. State administration needs to prepare for the incoming flood impact.
Lagos communities are prone to flooding. For a long time Lagos has always been affected by flooding during raining season. Lagos state government has not done well on this this flooding issue. We need a good drainage for passage of water to canals
The effort of the right authority in flood control and management has not been felt much,the flood problem has turn to yearly occurrence menace and it hasn’t receive the regular attention that it suppose to receive because it seems they neglected the people in those prone area without help.
Lagos is a place that is surrounded with water. This is why it is open to flooding anytime. We really need the government to do something regarding this menace.