Ogun State Government has asked residents to brace up for rainy season, in order to prevent flooding and associated calamities during the season.
It equally charged residents living in flood-prone areas to take precautionary measures in order to safeguard the vulnerable, including the elderly, children and the physically challenged persons.
The flood-prone areas include: Sokori, Arakanga and Onikoko-River in Abeokuta, Eruwuru in Sagamu, Ijamido, Isaka Owode-Yewa in Ado-Odo Ota Local Government, while the wetlands areas are: Isheri, Akute, Warewa, Oke-afa, Owa and Yemule Riverbanks in Ijebu-ode, Onihale in Ifo, among others.
This was coming on the heels of a prediction by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), that there would be two seasons of rainfall between April and December 2022.
The federal agencies had predicted that Ogun, being a coastal State, will experience prolonged rainfall that may be accompanied with flash floods in most part of the State,
This, FG, said would occur between June and July, while the coastal flooding may be compounded with the release of water from Oyan dam, that is always accompanied with high tide in the lagoon.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Engineer Ola Oresanya, who disclosed this, said rainfall should not be seen as a curse, but a blessing. Hence, the need to be adequately prepared for the season and tap into its opportunities.
Oresanya advised farmers and others inhabitants to be properly aware of the periodic weather, while charging them to take advantage of the season and also guide against any unfortunate occurrence.
He implored those in the habit of dumping refuse on the road and in drainage channels to desist, while appealing to residents in the flood-prone areas to take adequate steps in safeguarding the vulnerable members in their communities, such as children, the elderly and the handicapped.
The governor’s aide, however, encouraged Community Development Associations (CDA) to educate their members on the need to always and properly evacuate their drainages in order to remove properties constituting restrictions to drainage channels.
He said, “following these predictions, there is need for the general public, especially residents of the State to prepare for the likely impact of this year’s weather pattern.
“Consequently, residents in wetlands areas with low rainfall infiltration such as lsheri, Akute, Warewa, Oke-afa,Owa and Yemule Riverbanks in Ijebu-ode, Onihale in Ifo, Ogun Waterside, Ebute-Kimobi in Ijebu-East and those living near flood plains of Sokori, Arakanga and Onikoko-River in Abeokuta, Eruwuru in Sagamu, Ijamido, Isaka Owode-Yewa in Ado- Odo Ota Local Government, are advised to take precautionary measures during this season.
“While reiterating the commitment to protection of lives and properties of residents of the State through various activities, the State Government has taken measures to control problem of flood Statewide.
“Farmers, especially along the coastal areas and riverbanks are implored to take advantage of the weather outlook and plan the planting and harvest properly to prevent damages to their crop and livestocks.
“Motorists and pedestrians are implored to be mindful of the peculiarities of the season and be safety conscious while commuting during this period.
“Furthermore, His Excellency, Prince (Dr) Dapo Abiodun MFR, has directed that the Flood Emergency Management Unit, FEMU be decentralised into all the Local Government Areas of the State for faster response to emergency calls during the rain season.
“Ogun State as an agrarian State, looks forward delightfully to the season of rainfall to support our investment in Agriculture, Afforestation and Climate Change Adaptation Programs.
“The need for effective collaboration with the Government to prevent devastation of improperly managed rainfall and consequences of flooding is therefore compelling.
“The season of rainfall is not a curse, but a blessing. Please support the State government to keep our State free of flood”, he added.
