The Ogun State Government has issued a warning to residents in floodplain areas, urging them to relocate to safer ground before the commencement of heavy rainfall.
The call comes in light of the forecasted rain patterns for the year 2024, as predicted by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
During the 2024 Ogun State Flood Alert, held in conjunction with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Ola Oresanya, the state Commissioner for Environment, emphasised the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the expected heavy rainfall.
He highlighted the areas that would be most affected by the rain and advised residents on the necessary steps to take. “It is either you relocate from the area or you elevate; maybe you want to reconstruct your house or do some kind of elevation if you must stay in that area. Every year, we talk about relocation. It is not easy to relocate. If you must leave in those areas, make sure that your electronics, your chairs, and whatever can be damaged are being elevated,” Oresanya stated.
He also emphasised the potential risks of erosion in hilly areas due to the speed of water flow, and the impact on low-lying wetland areas, particularly in the southern parts of the state.
Oresanya encouraged farmers to commence planting and advised fish farmers to harvest before the peak of the rainy season in July. He also cautioned poultry farmers against stocking density during the period.
He further urged residents to apply for a drainage permit before constructing their drainages to ensure proper elevation for water passage and to prevent building on flood plains and wetlands unknowingly during the dry season.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Olufemi Odumosu, emphasised the holistic approach taken by the authority in flood control measures and highlighted the potential for collaboration with the Ogun State government in the area of tourism to generate more revenue.
