Ekiti, Ondo and Osun states have assured residents that adequate measures are being implemented to prevent flood disasters, following Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) prediction of a high likelihood of flooding in various parts of the country.

In separate interviews, officials of the states said the measures include channelisation projects, drain construction, dredging of waterways, and desilting and clearing drains.

Others are demolition of buildings on waterways, relocating flood-prone communities, and enhancing collaboration between local and federal agencies.

The governments advised residents to maintain a clean and safe environment, and refrain from dumping of wastes in drains and waterways.

According to the Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Emergency Response, Wellington Adebawo, the government has put several measures in place to prevent communities from flood, as well as preventing human and material loss.

Mr Adebawo disclosed that the government has initiated a coordinated multi-agency effort aimed at mitigating the impact of potential flooding across the state, explaining that the efforts were in conjunction with the State Emergency Management Agency.

He listed some of the efforts as, community awareness campaign, desilting of waterways, early warning and monitoring system, emergency preparedness and response training, and strategic partnerships.

He said, “We are not leaving anything to chance. Our goal is to prevent avoidable loss of life and property by taking early science-based, and community-focused actions. These comprehensive steps reflect Ondo State’s commitment to climate resilience and proactive disaster management in 2025. Public education drives are being conducted across flood-prone local government areas, educating residents on flood risks, evacuation routes, and early warning signals. These campaigns are delivered through town hall meetings, radio jingles, and local influencers to ensure grassroots penetration. In collaboration with local governments and the Ministry of Environment, efforts are ongoing to clear blocked drainage channels, rivers, and culverts in urban and rural communities to allow free flow of rainwater.

“Ondo SEMA, supported by NiMET data and community volunteers, is intensifying monitoring of water levels and rainfall patterns in high-risk areas. A local emergency alert system is also being developed to provide real-time updates during high rainfall episodes.’’

Mr Adebawo also said first responders and volunteers had undergone refresher training to enhance their capacity in managing flood emergencies, including evacuation, first aid and temporary shelter setup.

According to him, the government is also collaborating with private security outfits, environmental NGOs, and federal agencies such as NEMA to mobilise resources and technical support where needed.

Similarly, Permanent Secretary, Osun Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, Richard Oyegabmi, said that precautionary measures had been put in place towards flood prevention and control in the state.

Mr Oyegbami said that the state government embarked on dredging of the canals and waterways across the state to prevent floods.

He noted that many states were negatively affected by floods in 2024, “but due to the state government’s commitment to flood control, no single case of flooding was recorded in Osun.”

He said, “We have a dedicated department allocated to flood matters in our ministry called the department of flood control. What we do in the state is, we don’t wait until the rainy season sets in before we start working to prevent flooding. Across all the local governments in the state, we ensure that all the drains are open and cleared both in dry and rainy seasons.

“In 2024, we received letters of commendation from various communities in the state based on our intervention in flood management. We have our directors and engineers from the flood control department always on the field, dredging the waterways.”

Mr Oyegbami explained that in addition to dredging, the state government was running an enlightenment programme on the radio on the dangers of dumping wastes in the water channels.

He stressed that the ministry has also set up a taskforce to apprehend anyone dumping waste indiscriminately in the state.

Also, Head of Department, Urban and Regional Planning, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Prof. Oluwole Daramola, said that residents should be educated on the dangers of dumping waste in the water channels.

Mr Daramola noted that dumping of refuse in waterways could lead to blockage, which could eventually lead to flooding, while building on the waterways without proper approval by the government regulatory agencies could also prevent free flow of water.

He urged the government at all levels to embark on a campaign against indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the waterways.

In the same vein, Ekiti State Government assured of plans to prevent flooding during the rainy season, with both short- and long-term solutions being diligently considered.

The Commissioner for Environment, Tosin Ajisafe-Aluko, said the precautionary measures include dredging of all waterways, widening of canals and implementing environmental regulations.

According to Mrs Ajisafe-Aluko, the state government is also focusing on raising public awareness about avoiding indiscriminate dumping of waste and building on waterways.

“We have been actively dredging waterways and widening canals to improve water flow and prevent water accumulation, particularly in flood-prone areas.

“It is also important adhering to environmental laws, including prohibition of dumping refuse in waterways, and prohibiting construction within specific distances of waterways. Sensitisations are underway to educate residents about the causes and consequences of flooding, and the importance of responsible waste disposal and construction practices. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is prepared to respond to any flooding incidents, providing relief materials and assistance to affected residents.

“We are also collaborating with federal agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to enhance disaster preparedness and response. Long-term solutions are also being considered to address the root causes of flooding, such as climate change and unsustainable land use practices,” the commissioner stated.

Mrs Ajisafe-Aluko added that the government recognised the impact of climate change on rainfall patterns, therefore, prioritising climate action capable of mitigating the risks of flooding and drought.

Similarly, the Ekiti State Environmental Protection Agency, stated that the ongoing dredging of waterways at Alapo Igo Lane 5, in Ido-Ekiti and Otun-Ekiti had been completed as part of efforts to prevent flooding in Ekiti communities.

The Chairman of the agency, Bamitale Oguntoyinbo, said: “I am delighted to announce that the dredging of the waterways at Alamo Igo Lane 5, in Ido-Ekiti, Ijemu and Inisa streets in Otun-Ekiti, has been completed. The site engineer handling the project is working with specific instructions and ensuring that the total distance to be dredged is 3-km per location.

“Dredging of waterways in dark spots like we have in Ido and Otun-Ekiti, is evidence of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s love for residents living in rural areas, and to avert flood disasters. We are currently in Aramoko-Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government area. The waterways in the community are currently being dredged to prevent the annual flooding in the area. After we have concluded actions on the dredging of the waterways in Aramoko -Ekiti, we will then move to other communities and local governments that we already know are prone to flooding during the rainy season,” he said.

The EKSEPA boss appealed to residents to desist from dumping refuse in the waterways, building on canals, and practise good hygiene.

(NAN)