The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has urged residents to desist from actions that contribute to flooding, particularly the improper disposal of waste in drainage systems.
This follows a devastating flood that hit Ondo town on Friday, causing widespread destruction to properties worth billions of naira.
The flood affected several areas, including Itanla, Oka, Odo Ijomu, Bethlehem, Akure-Ondo Expressway, and Ife Road, leaving many residents grappling with the aftermath.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who toured the affected areas on Sunday, emphasized the need for residents to change practices that block drainage channels, contributing to the flooding crisis.
“We are deeply concerned about the challenges these floods have caused, and we are already working to ensure that affected areas receive immediate relief and long-term solutions,” the governor said.
“I also want to appeal to you, my people, to desist from acts that could lead to flooding, such as blocking the drainage channels with wastes.”
The governor assured the public that his administration is committed to finding long-term solutions to prevent future occurrences of such disasters.
Meanwhile, environmental expert Dr. Abiola Bashorun has called for more proactive measures from the state government to prevent future floods.
Speaking on Monday, she criticized the Ministry of Environment for not taking sufficient action, despite prior warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
“Flooding is a natural disaster that is more preventable than controlled,” Bashorun said. “The response to distress alarms sounded by NIMET and other weather monitoring agencies was not well heeded by the Ondo State Ministry of Environment. The recent flooding is enough proof that the Ministry has been ineffective in handling its core responsibilities.”
Bashorun noted that previous flooding incidents, such as the one in Ore last year, should have prompted immediate action to clear drainage systems in areas like Fagun and Itanla to avoid a repeat of such disasters.
In response, the state Commissioner for Environment, Oyeniyi Oseni, defended the government’s efforts, stating that proactive measures had been taken.
He mentioned a stakeholders’ meeting held in May 2024 to discuss flood prevention strategies and collaboration with relevant ministries to desilt drainages in the state’s 18 local government areas.
“The Ministry of Environment was aware of NIMET’s prediction and immediately developed strategies to avert flooding in the state,” Oseni said in a statement. “We have been working closely with other ministries to ensure that these measures are implemented effectively.”
