The Ogun State Government has reiterated its call for residents of flood-prone communities to temporarily relocate as water levels continue to rise. This cautionary appeal was issued after Abayomi Akinde, Chairman of the Isheri Estate Communities, urged the government to address persistent flooding that disrupts residents’ lives every year.
Akinde expressed frustration, explaining that the state government originally promoted and sold the floodplain properties to residents, which has now led to severe flooding and considerable economic and psychological impacts. “We are victims, and government officials should stop demonising us and instead address our plight,” he stated, adding that the community hopes for government intervention, particularly in raising road levels to contain floodwater.
Responding, the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, advised residents to prioritize safety by relocating temporarily. Akinmade acknowledged that the estates were sold during the Gbenga Daniel administration and highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to provide a sustainable solution. “Flooding is a global issue resulting from civilisation and industrialisation,” he noted, adding that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration is committed to addressing these concerns.
Akinmade emphasized the importance of heeding government warnings, stating, “When we have this kind of situation, safety should come first. We advise people to temporarily move to a safer place until the flood levels recede.”
In October 2023, at the height of the flooding crisis, Governor Abiodun and a Federal Government delegation led by former Minister of State for Environment, Iziaq Salako, visited the affected communities. During the visit, Salako assured residents that the Federal Government was prioritizing a solution to the recurrent flooding issue. He stressed that strategies are underway to address river management, improve drainage, elevate roads, and promote environmental responsibility among residents.
With efforts to resolve the crisis ongoing, government officials reaffirmed their commitment to mitigating the impact of flooding in Isheri and other vulnerable communities across Ogun State.
