Ogun Govt alerts communities to prepare for possible flooding

The Ogun State Government has issued a flood alert, urging residents living around riverbanks and wetlands to prepare for possible overflow of the Ogun River between October 20 and November 3.

According to the state’s Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, the affected areas include Akute, Alagbole, Isheri, Magboro, Makogi, Orimerunmu, Iro, Kajola, and parts of Abeokuta such as Lafenwa, Enugada, Adedotun, Iberekodo, Akin-Olugbade, and Ago-Odo.

Oresanya explained that the expected overflow is due to the controlled release of water from Oyan Dam, following increased inflow from heavy rainfall in northern parts of the country. He noted that the dam’s rising water level would make water discharge unavoidable, urging residents to take preventive measures to protect lives and property.

He advised those living along the riverbanks to stay away from the water and for those in wetland areas to move temporarily to higher grounds until the overflow subsides.

The Commissioner further disclosed that the state government had intensified dredging operations and opened additional tributaries to reduce pressure from the overflowing river. He said this was being done in collaboration with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority, which manages Oyan Dam, to ensure that water is released in a controlled manner throughout the year.

Oresanya, however, appealed to residents not to panic, assuring that the flooding would likely subside within ten days. He also advised fish farmers in affected areas to harvest their stock early to avoid losses.