The Ogun State Government has warned residents of riverine and coastal communities to relocate to safer areas between late September and mid-October, as heavy flooding is expected across parts of the state.
The warning was contained in the 2025 Midterm Flood Alert issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya.
According to him, communities along the Ogun, Ilo, Iju, Owa, and Yemule rivers—including Isheri, Warewa, Akute, parts of Abeokuta, Ayetoro, Itele, and Iju—as well as coastline areas such as Makun, Oni, Iwopin, Igele, Ifaara, Ebute-Imobi, Tungeji Island, and Agosasa in Ipokia Local Government Area, are expected to be worst hit.
Oresanya explained that the flooding will result from multiple factors: river overflow, sea water rise, tidal lock, heavy rainfall, inflows from the northern part of the country and Benin Republic, and possible water release from the Oyan Dam.
“The overflow, which usually lasts about two weeks, is part of the second phase of flooding that occurs every year between September and November,” he said.
Citing NiMet projections, the commissioner noted that rainfall in Ogun is expected to peak at 204mm in September and 190mm in October before dropping to 93mm in November.
To mitigate risks, Oresanya said the State Emergency Management Agency is on red alert for evacuation and relocation operations, while the Ministry of Environment is liaising with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority to regulate water releases from Oyan Dam.
He also cautioned residents in flood-prone areas against drinking from boreholes and wells during the period, warning of contamination, and advised fish farmers—especially those in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase, and Ayegbami floodplains—to harvest their stock early to avoid losses.
“Fish farmers must not delay in harvesting to avert their investments being washed away. Likewise, residents should avoid consumption of contaminated water as tidal variations will worsen water quality,” Oresanya warned.
The commissioner commended residents for cooperating with government on environmental issues, adding that such efforts have reduced the impact of flooding in the past six years. He reassured that the government remains committed to safeguarding lives and property.
