Ogun Govt Issues 2025 Mid-Term Flood Alert, Urges Residents in High-Risk Areas to Prepare
The Ogun State Government has issued its 2025 Mid-Term Flood Alert, warning residents in riverine and low-lying communities to brace up for the second phase of the rainy season expected between September and November.
The Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ola Oresanya, who released the alert on Thursday, March 20, said the advisory is based on the Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP) by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
According to him, the first phase of flooding, which occurred between late March and mid-July, was successfully managed through proactive government measures. These included continuous clearing of drainage channels and waterways, sensitization campaigns discouraging residents from dumping refuse into drains, and enforcement against trading on watercourses in markets.
“Residents’ cooperation and strict compliance with environmental best practices contributed greatly to the successes recorded in the first half of the season,” Oresanya noted.
Second Flood Phase Expected in September
The Commissioner explained that the second phase of flooding will be driven by coastal inflows and riverine backflows, particularly in communities along the Ogun River, such as Isheri, Warewa, Akute, and Abeokuta, as well as coastal areas like Iwopin, Makun, Ifaara, Igele, Oni, Ebute-Imobi, Tungeji Island, and Agosasa in Ipokia LGA.
He warned that flooding may be worsened by the controlled release of water from the Oyan Dam, transboundary flows from the Benin Republic, and tidal variations from the Lagos Lagoon and Badagry Creek.
NiMet projections show that rainfall will peak in September with 204mm, followed by 190mm in October, while November is expected to record reduced intensity at 93mm. Flooding, he added, is likely to occur between the last week of September and the second week of October, lasting for about two weeks.
Government’s Preparedness and Residents’ Advisory
To mitigate impacts, the Ogun State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been placed on red alert for possible evacuations, while the Ministry of Environment continues to work with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority on water releases from Oyan Dam, where the current level stands at 58.47m above mean sea level.
Residents in flood-prone areas were urged to:
•Relocate to safer locations.
•Raise the level of their premises and foundations where possible.
•Harvest their fish stock immediately, especially farmers in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase, and Ayegbami, to avoid losses to floodwaters.
•Be cautious of possible borehole and well water contamination in low-lying communities.
Oresanya reassured the public that the state government remains committed to minimizing the impact of flooding, stressing that collaborative efforts with residents are crucial.
“The dedication of this administration to averting the menace of flooding remains unwavering. We plead for continuous cooperation from residents as we work together to move Ogun State to greater heights,” he stated.
