In response to recent flood warnings issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, the Ogun State Government has launched a state-wide sensitisation campaign to avert potential flooding in vulnerable communities.
The campaign, led by the Ogun State Emergency Management Agency, has commenced across various locations in the state, including Kuto, Amolasho, and Gbangba in Abeokuta South Local Government Area.
During the sensitisation exercise on Sunday, the Acting Director of OGSEMA, Mr. Soji Durojaye, urged residents to take proactive steps to mitigate the effects of flooding as the rainy season intensifies.
“Flooding is not just caused by heavy rainfall but also by human activities such as dumping refuse in drainages and building structures along water channels,” Durojaye said. “We are calling on community leaders and residents to help spread this message and embrace environmental responsibility.”
Durojaye reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property but emphasized that the public must also play a role in reducing the risk.
He added, “NIMET has forecasted heavy rainfall this year, which could result in flash floods. People living in flood-prone areas need to be especially vigilant and consider relocating temporarily if necessary.”
The OGSEMA boss highlighted key preventive measures such as clearing blocked drainage systems, planting trees to combat erosion, and proper waste disposal as essential steps in reducing flood impact.
“To lessen the damage of flooding, every household should ensure their environment is clean and refuse is properly disposed of. These small efforts can make a big difference,” he stressed.
He further disclosed that emergency response units had been activated across all 20 local government areas in Ogun State and encouraged residents to report early signs of flooding or erosion through the emergency hotline — 112.
Residents welcomed the initiative. Mrs. Adetutu Mustapha, a trader in Kuto, praised the awareness drive, saying, “It’s good that the government is doing this. We need these reminders to take care of our environment.”
Similarly, Mr. Samuel Adegboyega, a resident of Amolasho, said, “Now that we’re better informed, we’ll make sure to clear the drains and educate our neighbors as well.”
The state government says the awareness campaign will continue in other local government areas in the coming weeks as part of efforts to prepare for and prevent flood-related disasters.