In a proactive move to safeguard its residents and mitigate the adverse effects of seasonal flooding, the Ogun State Government has issued a comprehensive flood alert for 2025. This alert comes in the wake of predictions by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, which have identified Ogun State as one of Nigeria’s major flood-prone areas. During a press briefing in Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, made this crucial announcement, highlighting the state’s dedication to increasing awareness and implementing plans in place to counter the looming flood risks.
According to NiMet’s 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), the state will likely experience heavy rainfall events at the start of 2025, with the rains most likely occurring before the onset. NIMET’s 2025 projections indicate that Ogun State is anticipated to experience a significant amount of rainfall, between 965 and 1805 millimeters. It is predicted that the rainy season will begin in March, followed by a little dry spell that is expected to start on July 21 and endure for 27 to 40 days. Severe dry spells lasting more than 15 days are also anticipated from April to June.
Mitigation efforts plans laid out for flood risk areas.
These climatic patterns necessitate heightened alertness and preparedness among the people of the state. The state government has carefully identified 16 local government areas that are vulnerable to flooding. Between March and July, residents of towns like Ijebu-Ode, Ota, Owode, Abeokuta, Ifo, Sagamu, Iperu, and Ilishan are cautioned to prepare for possible flash floods. Also, residents in communities along riverbanks in Ogun Waterside, Ijebu East, Abeokuta, Sagamu, and Ado-Odo/Ota are encouraged to consider relocation before the coastal flooding season, which is predicted to occur from September to November.
Beginning in April, the administration plans to launch more drainage and desilting projects throughout the three senatorial districts. In high-risk wetland regions such as Isheri, Akute, and Warewa, work is being done to complete Dredging the Banku and Opa Aro rivers to Majidun and Mawarere, as well as to extend tributaries to the Ogun River. Notably, these interventions have already yielded positive outcomes, reducing the flood retention period in Isheri from six weeks to three weeks in 2024. The government also emphasizes the critical role of community involvement in flood prevention and management.
State government issues public safety measures.
To be safe, drivers, cyclists, and other road commuters are advised not to travel on flooded roadways. It is recommended that Community Development Associations (CDAs) prevent harmful behaviors such as building on natural water runoff paths or disposing of trash in drainage channels. Farmers are also encouraged to time their plantings in accordance with weather forecasts to protect crops and cattle from flood-related damages. The Commissioner for Environment has called on the chairpersons of the 20 local government areas to contextualize NIMET’s weather forecasts to improve grassroots planning.
Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps have already been set up to house impacted individuals, and the State Emergency Management Authority has guaranteed that it is prepared to carry out emergency evacuations. In order to reduce the risk of overflow and improve flood management techniques, the Ministry of Environment is also working with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority to track water releases from the Oyan Dam. Commissioner Oresanya reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to leveraging the 2025 rainy season as an opportunity to boost food production and contribute to national Food Security efforts.
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He urged all parties involved to actively engage in flood prevention and mitigation efforts, emphasizing that, with the right management, the rainy season can be a boon rather than a bane. With this team effort, possible obstacles will be turned into chances for community development and resilience. The state hopes to successfully manage the difficulties presented by the 2025 rainy season by collaborating, improving infrastructure, and involving the community, transforming any setbacks into opportunities for resilience and sustainable growth.