Korede Abdullah 
ABEOKUTA, Nigeria — Fish farmers in Ogun State have appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun for emergency intervention after devastating floods destroyed fish farms and equipment worth more than ₦700 million, threatening livelihoods and food production across parts of Ijebuland.
The appeal was made on Thursday by the Ijebuland Fish Farmers’ Association during a briefing at Eriwe Farms Village in Ijebu-Ode.
Secretary of the association, Oluyemi Oludayo, said more than 150 fish farmers in Ijebu-Ife and Ijebu-Igbo suffered heavy losses after torrential rainfall between July 13 and 14 triggered flash floods.
He said the disaster struck just as farmers were recovering from prolonged market challenges and insecurity.
“Just when the prolonged glut in the fish market was easing and demand for catfish was beginning to improve, our members were again hit by devastating floods caused by heavy rainfall that lasted for two days.”
According to Oludayo, the floods washed away catfish stocks, fishponds, solar-powered pumping machines, solar panels, gas cylinders and other production equipment valued at over ₦700 million.
He disclosed that fish farmers in Ijebu-Igbo alone recorded losses exceeding ₦300 million, blaming the disaster on years of neglected drainage infrastructure that allowed the Ogbere Stream to overflow.
“The Ogbere Stream, which serves as the major channel for evacuating floodwaters from the town, has become too narrow and shallow due to years of neglect.”
He urged the Ogun State Government to rehabilitate drainage channels, remove illegal structures obstructing waterways and dredge the stream to prevent future flooding.
The association also said farmers in the Mojalake Fish Farm Cluster in Ijebu-Ife lost more than ₦400 million, alleging that inadequate drainage around the ongoing Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway reconstruction diverted stormwater directly into fish farms.
About the Author
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 