By Oludele Taiwo
Farmers have been warned to complete their harvest in the month of August and avoid farming and livestock rearing along the flood plain to prevent the adverse impact of intense flooding of the second season of rainfalls. Addressing newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, while raising alarm about the premonition of flooding in communities, which include Mowe, Isheri, Akute and Riverside Estate, among others, to temporarily relocate to avoid loss of lives and property due to flooding.
“In preparation for the inevitable impact of the natural pattern of rainfall predicted for the year 2023, residents in the following areas; Onikoko, Sokori and Arakanga areas in Abeokuta, Owa and Yemule riverbanks in Ijebu-Ode, Eruwuru in Sagamu, Ebute Kimobi in Ijebu East, Isaka Owode in Ado-Odo Ota, Owode, Igijo, Ilaro and Ijoko, should expect flash floods due to heavy rainfall within short periods. The second season will have a prolonged impact on wetlands such as Alagbole, Akute, Isheri, Warewa, Oke-Afa, Mowe, Ibafo, Kara, Onihale, Ebute Kimobi and Riverside Estate.
“These areas would experience coastal flooding due to tidal lock of the Ogun River by Lagos Lagoon from the natural rise in sea-level coupled with the possible release of excessive water from Oyan dam”, he said. Oresanya disclosed that the warning became imperative following the prediction of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency on the 2023 flood alert, stressing that residents should brace up for flash floods as the state is expecting 3,646mm of rainfall, between April and November. “In realisation of the inter-boundary impact of flooding, we wish to reassure residents of the state that we have effective collaboration with the management of the Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) and the neighbouring states of Lagos and Oyo, especially as it relates to the release of water from Oyan Dam. Residents of these areas should be prepared to relocate temporarily from these areas during the second season of rainfall, if required”, he added.
