BY John Umeh
The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh flood warning to residents living along riverbanks and low-lying wetlands, urging them to take immediate precautionary measures as heavy rainfall and water releases from the Oyan Dam are expected to trigger overflow along the Ogun River within the next two weeks.
Communities likely to be affected include Akute, Alagbole, Isheri, Magboro, Makogi, Orimerunmu, Iro, Kajola, and parts of Abeokuta — notably Lafenwa, Enugada, Adedotun, Iberekodo, Akin-Olugbade, and Ago-Odo.
According to the official alert released on Monday by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, the expected rise in water level will occur between October 20 and November 3, 2025, as a result of the controlled discharge of excess water from the Oyan Dam. This action, he explained, has become necessary following a surge in water inflow from northern Nigeria due to persistent heavy rains.
“We are expecting a significant rise in water levels in the coming days due to upstream rainfall and tidal increases. The Ogun River will likely overflow its banks temporarily, affecting some lowland communities,” Oresanya said.
He warned residents to avoid riverbanks and move to higher grounds to prevent loss of lives and property. While assuring that the government has put in place mitigation and emergency response strategies, he emphasized that nature’s forces remain unpredictable, especially under changing climate conditions.
“The government’s interventions can only minimize, not eliminate, the impact of climate change. We urge residents not to panic, as the tide will subside within ten days once the dam stabilizes,” he added.
Flood Preparedness and Public Safety
Officials from the Ogun State Emergency Management Agency (OGSEMA) confirmed that early warning signals have been sent to all local government areas along the flood plains. Relief materials, including mattresses, food items, and medical supplies, have been pre-positioned in designated temporary shelters across the affected communities.
The agency also announced that teams of engineers and environmental officers will continue monitoring the Oyan Dam’s release rate to ensure timely communication with local residents.
“We’ve mobilized local councils, traditional leaders, and volunteer groups to alert residents in real time. Our priority is to prevent a repeat of past flood disasters,” said an OGSEMA spokesperson.
Residents in the affected zones have been urged to keep essential documents safe, unplug electrical appliances, and avoid crossing flooded areas, whether by foot or vehicle.
Red Cross Takes Flood Education to Gombe Schools
Meanwhile, in Gombe State, the Nigerian Red Cross Society has intensified its disaster preparedness campaign across secondary schools, encouraging early education on flood risk reduction and emergency response.
Speaking during the launch of Disaster Risk Reduction Clubs at Government Day Pilot Secondary School, Gombe, and Government Comprehensive Day Secondary School, Deba, the state branch secretary, Murtala Aliyu, said the initiative was supported by the Italian government and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
Aliyu noted that repeated flooding in communities across Billiri and Yamaltu-Deba local government areas this year prompted the move to build local capacity for quick response.
“Climate change is worsening the scale and frequency of floods. We can no longer wait for disasters to strike before acting. Our goal is to train young people to become first responders in their communities,” he said.
Students were educated on first aid, evacuation procedures, and the importance of environmental conservation in preventing disasters. The Red Cross also distributed information kits and emergency materials to participating schools.
Climate Change and the Rising Cost of Flooding
Experts have continued to warn that climate change is intensifying rainfall patterns and raising sea levels across Nigeria’s coastal and riverine regions. Ogun, being a major downstream state, remains particularly vulnerable to water overflow from the Oyan, Osun, and Ogun rivers.
Environmentalists argue that rapid urbanization, blocked drainage systems, and illegal structures along floodplains have worsened the situation. According to a recent study by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Ogun is among the top five states most at risk of severe flooding between 2025 and 2030.
Reacting to the new alert, Dr. Funke Adebimpe, a hydrologist and climate researcher, called for stronger collaboration between federal and state agencies.
“We need long-term solutions like dredging, improved dam management, and strict urban planning. Flood warnings help, but proactive planning will save more lives in the future,” she said.
Government Appeals for Calm
Commissioner Oresanya reiterated that the Ogun State government remains committed to public safety and environmental resilience. He encouraged residents to remain calm, heed official advisories, and report any unusual rise in water levels immediately.
“We understand people’s concerns, but we are monitoring the situation closely. Once the tidal surge recedes, things will return to normal,” he assured.
As the state braces for possible overflow, attention now turns to how effectively its emergency plans will hold up — and whether communities will act swiftly to protect lives and livelihoods before nature takes its course.
