The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh flood alert ahead of the second phase of the 2026 rainy season, urging residents in vulnerable communities to remain vigilant and relocate to safer areas where necessary.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, following a forecast by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency identifying Ogun among states expected to experience heavy rainfall.
Oresanya said the first phase of the rainy season, which lasted from mid-March to July, recorded intense rainfall and isolated flash floods across parts of the state, although the impact was relatively minimal.
He attributed this to measures implemented by the state government, including public awareness campaigns, regular maintenance of rivers and drainage channels, and improved waste management.
The commissioner said major waterways, including Sokori River and its tributaries, Opa-Aro, Adiyan, Eruwuru, Yemule, Gbogidi Canal and Ijamido rivers and streams, had received particular attention.
According to him, NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction indicates that the second phase of the rainy season will begin in September, with Ogun expected to record intense rainfall averaging about 360mm during the month.
He added that rainfall in inland areas of the state was expected to reduce from October into early November.
However, Oresanya warned that prolonged rainfall, possible overflow from Oyan Dam and tidal fluctuations could increase the risk of river and coastal flooding in some communities.
He said the combined effect could temporarily saturate wetlands and floodplains, making vulnerable areas more susceptible to flooding.
The commissioner specifically urged residents of Isheri, Arepo, Mawere, Magboro, Akute and Warewa, as well as parts of Abeokuta, to remain alert and relocate to safer locations where necessary.
He also listed coastal communities including Makun-Omi, Iwopin, Oni, Ifaara and Igele in Ogun Waterside; Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East; Tungeji Island and Agosasa in Ipokia; and communities along the floodplains of the Ilo and Iju Rivers as areas requiring caution.
Oresanya further advised fish farmers operating around floodplains and river corridors to harvest their stocks promptly to reduce potential losses.
He specifically mentioned fish farmers in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase and Ayegbami, among other vulnerable areas.
The commissioner called on relevant government agencies, local authorities, emergency response organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders to intensify flood monitoring and response efforts.
He also urged residents and community leaders to keep drainage channels free of obstructions and strengthen public awareness campaigns, stressing that early information and prompt action could help reduce the impact of flooding.
Oresanya said the state government would continue to monitor weather forecasts and hydrological conditions in collaboration with NiMet, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and other relevant agencies.
He assured residents that the government would sustain efforts to minimise the impact of flooding across the state and urged them to take the warning seriously and follow further updates from the authorities.
