Osun State Government has issued an urgent warning to residents of Otan-Ayegbaju and Iragbiji communities regarding an impending flood threat.
This alert followed a forecast released by the Federal Ministry of Environment’s Department of Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management, which projected heavy rainfall between July 31 and August 4, 2025.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Emergency Management, Emiola Fakeye, during a press briefing on Friday, relayed the Government’s concerns.
Fakeye urged residents in flood-prone areas to either evacuate temporarily or take stringent safety precautions.
“The safety of our people remains a top priority for Governor Adeleke. He is deeply concerned about the risk of flooding and is committed to ensuring that no lives are lost,” Fakeye said.
She noted that the Osun State Government had commenced desilting and clearing operations along major waterways and rivers in the affected regions.
According to her, “these preventive actions aim to ease water flow and mitigate potential flood damage. We urge residents to heed the warnings and stay alert. Prevention is better than cure.”
The government also called for heightened community vigilance and the prompt reporting of emergency cases.
“Residents should stay informed, follow safety instructions, and contact emergency services when necessary,” Fakeye reiterated.
Also, addressing the media at the briefing, Abiola Oni, the General Manager of the Osun State Emergency Management Agency, OSEMA, cautioned against improper waste disposal practices and stressed that public cooperation was essential in keeping drainage systems effective.
“We must all play our part. If we block the drainages, the water will have no place to go,” Oni warned.
The OSEMA boss explained that flooding has been a recurring problem in the area during the rainy season and could worsen if necessary action is not taken by both government agencies and residents.
He highlighted that emergency response teams had been placed on standby to respond swiftly in the event of flooding.
He said for further information or assistance, the public is advised to contact the Office of the General Manager, Osun State Emergency Management, located on Elizabeth Road, Abere.
