Ogun government advises residents on safety during rainy season

Ogun State Government has advised residents to gear up for the approaching rainy season, prevent flooding and associated calamities and keep the state flood-free.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Ola Oresanya, gave the advice yesterday on the heels of a prediction by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) that there would be two seasons of rainfall between April and December 2022.

The agencies had predicted that Ogun would experience prolonged rainfall that may be accompanied with flash floods in most parts, especially between June and July, while the coastal flooding may be compounded with the release of water from Oyan Dam, that is always accompanied with high tide in the lagoon.

Oresanya, said rainfall should not be seen as a curse but a blessing, hence the need to tap into its opportunities.

The governor’s aide, while advising farmers and other inhabitants to be properly aware of the periodic weather, charged them to take advantage of the season and also guide against any unfortunate occurrence.

He further implored those in the habit of dumping refuse on the road and drainage channels to desist, while appealing to residents in the flood-prone areas to take adequate steps in safeguarding the vulnerable members in their communities, such as children, the elderly and the handicapped.

He, however, encouraged Community Development Associations (CDAs) to educate their members on the need to properly clear their drainages and remove property constituting restriction to drainage channels.