By Sunday Ameh
The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh flood warning to residents across vulnerable communities as the second phase of the 2026 rainy season begins.
The government, through the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, urged residents living around flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and move to safer locations where necessary.
The warning followed the latest seasonal climate prediction by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, which identified Ogun among states expected to experience heavy rainfall during the period.
According to Oresanya, the second phase of the rainy season is expected to commence in September, with the state projected to record an average rainfall of about 360mm during the month.
He explained that the anticipated heavy rainfall, coupled with possible controlled overflow from Oyan Dam and tidal fluctuations, could increase the risk of river and coastal flooding in some parts of the state.
The commissioner said the combined effect could temporarily saturate wetlands and floodplains, thereby increasing the vulnerability of communities located around waterways.
He consequently advised residents in Isheri, Arepo, Mawere, Magboro, Akute and Warewa, as well as some parts of Abeokuta, to remain alert and relocate to safer areas whenever necessary.
The warning also extended to coastal communities, including Makun-Omi, Iwopin, Oni, Ifaara and Igele in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area; Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East; Tungeji Island and Agosasa in Ipokia; as well as communities situated along the floodplains of the Ilo and Iju Rivers.
Oresanya also warned fish farmers operating within floodplains and river corridors to harvest their fish stocks promptly to prevent losses in the event of flooding.
He specifically mentioned fish farmers in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase and Ayegbami, urging them to take precautionary measures without delay.
The commissioner said the state government had already intensified efforts to reduce the impact of flooding through public awareness campaigns, maintenance of rivers, streams and drainage channels, and improved waste management.
He noted that the first phase of the 2026 rainy season, which lasted from mid-March to July, recorded intense rainfall and isolated flash floods in parts of the state, but the impact was relatively minimal due to the preventive measures taken by the government.
He disclosed that major waterways, including Sokori River and its tributaries, Opa-Aro, Adiyan, Eruwuru, Yemule, Gbogidi Canal and Ijamido rivers and streams, had received particular attention.
The government also urged ministries, departments and agencies, local government authorities, emergency response organisations and community leaders to strengthen flood-monitoring and response efforts.
Oresanya called on community leaders to intensify sensitisation campaigns and ensure that drainage channels remained free from refuse and other obstructions.
He assured residents that the government would continue to monitor weather and hydrological conditions in collaboration with NiMet, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and other relevant agencies.
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