Daud Olatunji
The Ogun State Government has raised a fresh flood alert, warning residents of vulnerable communities to prepare for possible flooding as the second phase of the 2026 rainy season begins.
The government urged residents living along riverbanks, floodplains and other vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and relocate to safer locations where necessary.
The warning was contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, following the latest weather projections by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency.
According to the commissioner, NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction indicates that the second phase of the rainy season is expected to commence in September, with Ogun projected to record intense rainfall averaging about 360mm during the month.
He said although rainfall in the inland parts of the state was expected to decline from October into early November, prolonged rainfall could still trigger river and coastal flooding in vulnerable areas.
Oresanya attributed the potential flooding risk to a combination of prolonged rainfall, controlled overflow from the Oyan Dam and tidal fluctuations, which could slow the flow of water along the Ogun River.
He warned that the combined effect could lead to temporary saturation of wetlands and floodplains, increasing the likelihood of flooding in communities located around waterways.
The commissioner listed Isheri, Arepo, Mawere, Magboro, Akute and Warewa among the communities that should remain on high alert, alongside some parts of Abeokuta.
He also identified several coastal and riverine communities as vulnerable, including Makun-Omi, Iwopin, Oni, Ifaara and Igele in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area; Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East; Tungeji Island and Agosasa in Ipokia; and communities along the floodplains of the Ilo and Iju Rivers.
The government also warned fish farmers operating around floodplains and river corridors to harvest their stocks promptly to prevent avoidable losses in the event of flooding.
Oresanya specifically urged fish farmers in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase and Ayegbami, as well as those in other flood-prone areas, to act on the warning without delay.
The commissioner said the state had recorded intense rainfall and isolated flash floods during the first phase of the 2026 rainy season, which ran from mid-March to July, but the impact was comparatively minimal.
He attributed the situation to measures adopted by the government, including sustained public awareness campaigns, regular maintenance of rivers, streams and drainage channels, and improvements in waste management.
According to him, the government had also paid particular attention to major waterways and river channels, including the Sokori River and its tributaries, Opa-Aro, Adiyan, Eruwuru, Yemule, Gbogidi Canal and Ijamido rivers and streams.
Oresanya, however, stressed that the relatively low impact recorded during the first phase should not lead to complacency, urging residents and relevant stakeholders to prepare for possible flooding during the coming months.
He called on Ministries, Departments and Agencies, local government authorities, emergency response organisations, traditional and community leaders and other stakeholders to intensify flood-response activities.
The commissioner also directed stakeholders to strengthen monitoring of vulnerable locations and ensure that drainage channels remained free of refuse and other obstructions.
He urged community leaders to intensify public enlightenment campaigns, stressing that early warning, timely information and prompt action remained crucial to reducing the impact of flooding.
Oresanya said the state government would continue to monitor weather forecasts and hydrological conditions in collaboration with NiMet, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and other relevant agencies.
He assured residents that the government would sustain measures aimed at reducing the impact of flooding across the state and urged them to take the advisory seriously and comply with subsequent safety directives from the government and emergency management agencies.
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