By John Umeh
The Ogun State Government has raised a strong alarm over looming flooding that is expected to hit several riverine and low-lying communities in the coming weeks. Residents living along the Ogun, Ilo, Iju, Owa, and Yemule Rivers, as well as those around the coastline, have been advised to relocate to safer grounds between the last week of September and the second week of October.
This warning was contained in the 2025 Ogun State Midterm Flood Alert, released on Sunday by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya. The government said the move is crucial to prevent avoidable loss of lives and property as heavy rainfall combines with rising water levels and tidal activities.
Communities at Risk
According to the statement, the most vulnerable areas include Isheri, Warewa, Akute, Abeokuta (some parts), Ayetoro, Itele, and Iju. Others are coastal settlements such as Makun, Oni, Iwopin, Igele, Ifaara in Ogun Waterside, Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East, Tungeji Island, and Agosasa in Ipokia Local Council.
Oresanya explained that the anticipated flooding is part of the second phase of the yearly flood cycle, which typically occurs between September and November. He noted that this period often brings the highest levels of rainfall, compounded by water flows from northern Nigeria and neighboring Benin Republic. The situation, he added, could worsen if water is released from Oyan Dam, which feeds into the Ogun River.
NiMET Predictions and Risk Duration
The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has projected that rainfall will peak at 204mm in September, followed by 190mm in October, before reducing to 93mm in November. Based on this forecast, flooding in Ogun State is expected to last at least two weeks, with serious disruptions to homes, businesses, and farming activities.
The commissioner warned that the overflow of rivers and tidal lock from the sea could lead to widespread waterlogging. Residents have also been cautioned against using borehole or well water during this period, as contamination is highly likely.
Government Preparedness
To mitigate the impact, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been placed on red alert. Emergency camps have already been designated to provide temporary shelter for displaced residents. In addition, the Ministry of Environment is working closely with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority to coordinate controlled water releases from Oyan Dam, in order to minimize downstream flooding.
Fish farmers were particularly urged to take proactive measures. “Those operating along river flood plains must harvest their fish immediately to prevent huge losses,” Oresanya stressed, pointing out high-risk areas such as Eriwe, Yemule (Ijebu Ode), Ilase, and Ayegbami (Yewa).
Appeal to Residents
The state government appealed to residents for cooperation and vigilance. Over the past six years, it said, compliance with flood warnings had significantly reduced casualties and damage in Ogun State. Oresanya thanked citizens for their patience and understanding of recurring environmental challenges, assuring them that government efforts are ongoing to make the state more resilient to natural disasters.
“The time to act is now,” the commissioner emphasized. “Relocation is not a suggestion—it is a necessity. Safety of lives comes first, and we are ready to support every community through this difficult season.”
2025 Midterm Flood Alert:
Riverine and Inland Communities
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Isheri
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Warewa
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Akute
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Parts of Abeokuta
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Ayetoro
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Itele
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Iju
Coastal and Waterside Communities
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Makun
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Oni
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Iwopin
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Igele
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Ifaara (Ogun Waterside)
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Ebute-Imobi (Ijebu East)
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Tungeji Island
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Agosasa (Ipokia Local Council)
