AKURE – The Ekiti, Osun, Ondo state governments have stepped up flood prevention measures in their respective states as the 2026 rainy season reaches its peak.
The officials of the states, in separate interviews with newsmen said the focus includes dredging of waterways, drain construction, desilting, enforcement and community sensitisation.
In Ekiti, the Chairman of the State Environmental Protection Agency (EKSEPA), Chief Bamidele Oguntoyinbo, said that dredging and desilting of waterways were ongoing in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
According to Oguntoyinbo, the government has also commenced the dredging of rivers and streams in some flood prone areas such as Iso, Oshodi, Elemi, Iremide, Ureje, Olujoda, Falana, Moferere and GRA third extension along the new Iyin Ekiti road in Ado-Ekiti.
He disclosed that the state government had committed about N475.2 million in the last 18 months on dredging and desilting.
The EKSEPA boss said the state Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, as part of the efforts to mitigate flooding, had recently directed chairmen of local governments and the ministry of Urban and Physical Planning to demolish illegal structures blocking waterways.
“This is to prevent loss of lives and property, following NiMet’s prediction that Ekiti would be a flashpoint for flooding in 2026 rainy season,” he said.
He said the government recently procured some heavy duty flooding mitigation equipment including amphibious excavators and low-bed trucks under the World Bank-assisted Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) to ensure regular dredging.
He said the agency, through its sensitisation and awareness campaigns, had charged council chairmen to work closely with traditional rulers in their respective communities in order to create more awareness on flood risk.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation in Osun, Mr Mayowa Adejoorin, said government had embarked on continuous dredging of waterways and drainage channels as part of measures to curb flooding.
“Gov. Ademola Adeleke has graciously approved the dredging of waterways and channels across the state at the beginning of every year as part of proactive measures against flooding.
“Through these proactive steps, Osun has not experienced any major or minor flooding in recent years, even during periods of heavy rainfall.
“Mechanisms have been put in place to prevent residents from dumping refuse in waterways, while public enlightenment and sensitisation had been intensified through the media on the dangers of blocking drainage channels. We have also removed some structures erected on waterways,” he said.
Mrs Emiola Fakeye, Special Adviser to the Governor on Emergency Management, said flashpoints have been identified across the state, while necessary measures had been put in place to ensure prompt response during emergencies.
According to her, relief materials have also been distributed to communities affected by flood to cushion the impact on the affected residents.
“Victims affected by flooding in some identified communities have been supported with relief materials in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
“Towns such as Ila-Orangun, Aiyegbaju, Iragbiji and neighbouring communities have been identified as flood-prone areas, and holistic measures have been put in place to mitigate flooding and ensure prompt response to any eventuality,” she said.
Fakeye, however, said the government would not relent in its efforts to ensure the safety of residents by preventing flood disasters capable of endangering lives and property in the state.
Also, the Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Erosion Control and Flood Matters, Mr Elisha Ebijimi, said the plan to prevent flood in the state is at 80 per cent, with additional focus on enlightenment of the residents on flood prevention.
According to him, the state government is already working on the major flood prone areas in the state.
“We don’t have issues or plans for evacuation because we have done the necessary things, if you noticed we didn’t experience flood last year,” he said.
Ebijimi explained that the government has continued to intensify efforts on desilting of drainage channels, clearing of waterways and monitoring of flood-prone communities across the state as part of efforts to reduce the impact of heavy rainfall during the rainy season.
He urged residents to cooperate with the government by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains and waterways, warning that such practice was one of the major causes of flooding in many communities. (NAN)
