In a proactive response to forecasts of heavy rainfall and potential flooding by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the governments of Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti states have commenced comprehensive flood mapping and drainage clearing exercises.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The initiative involves identifying flood-prone areas, analysing structural and environmental vulnerabilities, and implementing preventive interventions aimed at safeguarding lives and property.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure, Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tob Loko, said the flood mapping initiative underscores the state’s commitment to data-driven and preventive flood management.

“We’re not just mapping risk zones; we’re also investigating the root causes—both environmental and infrastructural—of these vulnerabilities,” Loko said. “In the event of unexpected flooding, we have contingency plans, including temporary relocation and emergency relief for affected residents.”

He called on residents, especially those in high-risk areas, to cooperate fully with government officials during the assessment and intervention processes.

Mr. Olumide Kinga, Administrative Secretary of the Ondo State Ministry of Environment, disclosed that since the beginning of the year, the state had been carrying out aggressive mechanical channelisation with amphibious excavators deployed in all three senatorial districts.

“Our goal is to ensure a clean and functional drainage system during this rainy season. We’ve instructed all 18 local government chairmen to submit details of priority drainage projects within one week,” Kinga said.

He added that proper waste disposal remains critical in the effort to prevent flooding and that the state is working on strengthening waste collection systems across all zones.

Mr. Adeolu Iwakun, Senior Special Assistant on Volunteer Services and State Coordinator of the Nigerian National Volunteer Service, said the government had launched extensive public sensitisation campaigns across various platforms to educate residents on preventive and emergency response measures.

He said local governments were also taking independent steps to enhance their drainage systems, working with technical partners to support flood mitigation strategies.

In neighbouring Osun State, the General Manager of the State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA), Mr. Deola Oni, said the government had deployed three swamp buggies to continuously dredge and clear waterways.

“These swamp buggies are stationed permanently across the state and have significantly improved water flow, preventing flood-related incidents,” Oni stated. “We’re also committed to providing relief materials to any flood victims and have sustained public awareness campaigns on waste disposal and drainage management.”

Osun State Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Mayowa Adejoorin, added that Governor Ademola Adeleke had approved yearly statewide clearing of waterways as a preventive measure.

“Thanks to these proactive efforts, Osun has not recorded any major or minor flood cases in recent years,” Adejoorin said.

Meanwhile, NAN correspondents visited cleared sections of the Osun River and other locations where flood-prevention work is ongoing, reinforcing the visible impact of the state’s commitment to environmental safety.