The Ekiti, Osun, and Ondo State governments have stepped up flood prevention measures in their respective states as the 2026 rainy season reaches its peak.

The officials of the states, in separate interviews with journalists, said the focus includes dredging of waterways, drain construction, desilting, enforcement, and community sensitisation.

In Ekiti, the chairman of the State Environmental Protection Agency (EKSEPA), Bamidele Oguntoyinbo, said that dredging and desilting of waterways were ongoing in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

According to Mr Oguntoyinbo, the government has also commenced the dredging of rivers and streams in some flood-prone areas such as Iso, Oshodi, Elemi, Iremide, Ureje, Olujoda, Falana, Moferere, and GRA Third Extension along the new Iyin-Ekiti Road in Ado-Ekiti.

He disclosed that the state government had committed about N475.2 million in the last 18 months to dredging and desilting.

The EKSEPA boss said the state Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, as part of efforts to mitigate flooding, had recently directed chairmen of local governments and the Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning to demolish illegal structures blocking waterways.

“This is to prevent loss of lives and property, following NiMet’s prediction that Ekiti would be a flashpoint for flooding in the 2026 rainy season,” he said.

He said the government recently procured some heavy-duty flood mitigation equipment, including amphibious excavators and low-bed trucks, under the World Bank-assisted Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) to ensure regular dredging.

He said the agency, through its sensitisation and awareness campaigns, had charged council chairmen to work closely with traditional rulers in their respective communities in order to create more awareness of flood risks.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation in Osun, Mayowa Adejoorin, said the government had embarked on continuous dredging of waterways and drainage channels as part of measures to curb flooding.

“Gov. Ademola Adeleke has graciously approved the dredging of waterways and channels across the state at the beginning of every year as part of proactive measures against flooding.

“Through these proactive steps, Osun has not experienced any major or minor flooding in recent years, even during periods of heavy rainfall.

“Mechanisms have been put in place to prevent residents from dumping refuse in waterways, while public enlightenment and sensitisation have been intensified through the media on the dangers of blocking drainage channels. We have also removed some structures erected on waterways,” he said.

Emiola Fakeye, special adviser to the governor on emergency management, said flashpoints had been identified across the state, while necessary measures had been put in place to ensure a prompt response during emergencies.

According to her, relief materials have also been distributed to communities affected by floods to cushion the impact on residents.

“Victims affected by flooding in some identified communities have been supported with relief materials in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

“Towns such as Ila-Orangun, Aiyegbaju, Iragbiji, and neighbouring communities have been identified as flood-prone areas, and holistic measures have been put in place to mitigate flooding and ensure a prompt response to any eventuality,” she said.

Ms Fakeye, however, said the government would not relent in its efforts to ensure the safety of residents by preventing flood disasters capable of endangering lives and property in the state.

Also, the special adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Erosion Control and Flood Matters, Elisha Ebijimi, said the plan to prevent flooding in the state is 80 per cent complete, with additional focus on enlightening residents on flood prevention.

According to him, the state government is already working on the major flood-prone areas in the state.

“We don’t have issues or plans for evacuation because we have done the necessary things. If you noticed, we didn’t experience flooding last year,” he said.

Mr Ebijimi explained that the government has continued to intensify efforts on the desilting of drainage channels, clearing of waterways, and monitoring of flood-prone communities across the state as part of efforts to reduce the impact of heavy rainfall during the rainy season.

He urged residents to cooperate with the government by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains and waterways, warning that such practices were among the major causes of flooding in many communities.

(NAN)