Daud Olatunji
In a resounding declaration echoing the urgency of the situation, the Ogun State Government has issued a stern warning to its residents in the wake of the recently updated 2023 water release forecast for flood control, effective as of September 2023.
This sobering forecast aligns with the high rainfall patterns, as accurately predicted by NIMET and other agencies.
Experts have predicted that heavy flooding is poised to descend upon the downstream areas of the Ogun River starting this very month.
The State government, represented by the Director of the Ogun State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Wale Shonde, has warned those who live around the riverine areas to leave their residences to avoid disaster.
The government demands immediate action from the inhabitants and property owners inhabiting flood-prone territories, such as Amolasho, Ijeun-titun, Arakanga, Warewa, Oke-Afa, Isheri, Akute, Ojumele, Isaka-Owode-Yewa, and numerous others.
The directive is unequivocal, urging the residents to move to higher ground, fortify their defenses against an impending deluge, or face unforeseen disaster.
Mr. Shonde, with unwavering authority, imparts invaluable advice to safeguard lives and assets.
Residents are urged to augment their undersized drainage systems, cease the misuse of river channels as storage facilities, refrain from navigating or driving through waterlogged areas, and ensure the diligent maintenance and desilting of obstructed drains.
A statement issued by Press Officer of the State Emergency Management Agency,
Segunmaru Adebayo, read “sequel to the release of an updated 2023 water release forecast for flood control by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority effective from September 2023 and the high rainfall being experienced as predicted by NIMET and other related Agencies, Ogun State government has alerted residents especially those in the downstream of the Ogun-river of the likelihood of experiencing heavy flooding from this month.
“To this end, the State government in a release signed by the Director, Ogun State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Wale Shonde, has warned inhabitants and property owners living in flood-prone areas like Amolasho, Ijeun-titun, Arakanga, Warewa, Oke-Afa, Isheri, Akute, Ojumele, Isaka-Owode-Yewa, among others to move upland in order to avert unforeseen disaster.
“Mr. Shonde further advised residents to enlarge small and inadequate drainage systems, stop using river channels as repositories, desist from walking or driving through a pool of water or flood, and ensure proper maintenance and desilting of blocked drains.
“According to him, the safety of citizens’ lives and property remains the utmost priority of the state Government.”
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