The Ogun State Government has warned residents in flood-prone areas to prepare for possible flooding as the second phase of the 2026 rainy season begins.
The Punch reported that the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the alert was based on the latest seasonal rainfall projections by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency.
According to Oresanya, Ogun recorded heavy rainfall and isolated flash floods between mid-March and July during the first phase of the rainy season. However, he said the impact was relatively limited due to measures implemented by the state government.
He listed public enlightenment campaigns, routine maintenance of rivers, streams and drainage systems, and improved waste management as some of the steps taken to reduce flood risks.
The commissioner said the government had also focused on major waterways, including Sokori River and its tributaries, Opa-Aro, Adiyan, Eruwuru, Yemule, Gbogidi Canal and Ijamido rivers and streams.
Oresanya said the second phase of the rainy season was expected to begin in September, with Ogun projected to record average rainfall of about 360mm during the month.
He noted that rainfall in the inland areas of the state was expected to reduce from October through early November.
However, he warned that prolonged rainfall, possible controlled releases from Oyan Dam and tidal fluctuations could increase the risk of river and coastal flooding.
He explained that “the combined effect could result in temporary oversaturation of wetlands and floodplains, increasing the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities.
The commissioner urged residents in Isheri, Arepo, Mawere, Magboro, Akute and Warewa, as well as some parts of Abeokuta, to remain alert and move to safer areas where necessary.
He said the warning also applied to coastal communities such as 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 situated along the floodplains of the Ilo and Iju Rivers.
Oresanya also advised fish farmers operating around floodplains and river corridors to harvest their fish stocks early to reduce possible losses.
He specifically mentioned farmers in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase and Ayegbami, urging them and others in exposed areas to act promptly.
The commissioner called on ministries, departments and agencies, local government authorities, emergency response bodies, traditional and community leaders and other stakeholders to step up preparations and closely monitor areas considered vulnerable to flooding.
He further urged residents and community leaders to ensure that drainage channels remain unobstructed and to intensify awareness campaigns, stressing that early warnings and timely action could significantly reduce the effects of flooding.
Oresanya said the state would continue working with NiMet, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and other relevant agencies to monitor weather forecasts and hydrological conditions.
He assured residents that the government would maintain its flood-prevention efforts and thanked them for their cooperation, which he said had helped limit the impact of flooding during the first phase of the rainy season.
The commissioner urged residents to take the latest warning seriously and remain attentive to further updates from the government and emergency agencies.
