Oyo Prepares For Flood, Dredges 11 Rivers

The Oyo State Government has announced the dredging of 11 rivers across the state to mitigate the impact of flooding during the 2025 rainy season.

This was revealed in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, on Wednesday, following a State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

The decision comes in response to predictions by the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, which listed Oyo among several states at risk of flooding this year.

“To protect lives and property, the council approved the immediate dredging of 11 flood-prone rivers across the state, including those in Iseyin, Oyo, Ibadan, Igbo Ora, Ogbomoso, and others,” Oyelade said.

As part of environmental management efforts, the council also directed the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to procure additional compactor trucks to boost refuse collection and keep the state’s municipalities cleaner.

Also, the Executive Council approved the purchase of firefighting auxiliary and special equipment for the Oyo State Fire Service Agency.

The move, according to Oyelade, is aimed at improving the agency’s firefighting and rescue operations, as well as safeguarding firefighters from occupational hazards.

He stated that the combined cost for the dredging, waste management trucks, and fire service equipment is pegged at N690m.

Further infrastructure developments were also approved, including the procurement and installation of a transformer, power generator, and an energy storage upgrade for the Omololu Olunloyo Monumental Park and the dualised Ladoke Akintola Airport Road.

The commissioner said, “Approval was also given for the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to procure compactor trucks to supplement efficiency in refuse collection. The approval for these three projects amounts to N690 million.

“The council also considered and approved the procurement and installation of a transformer and power generator for the Omololu Olunloyo Monumental Park, as well as an energy storage upgrade for the dualised Ladoke Akintola Airport Road.”

Oyelade clarified that recent closures at the airport were part of plans to upgrade its infrastructure to meet international standards. The project is valued at N224.78m.

The council in a move to decongest traffic within the Ibadan metropolis and enhance nighttime economy, approved the installation of public lighting along Phase One of the 110-kilometre Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, a key bypass expected to ease inter-city and national traffic. The lighting project is expected to cost N15.11bn.

Oyelade noted that the state government earmarked N1.98bn for the rehabilitation of several key roads, including Bolajoko Estate Road Network, General Gas, Bishop’s Court Road, Jejelaye, Peace Roads, and Anifalaje Area, aiming to improve road conditions and residents’ mobility within the state.

“These projects reflect Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration’s commitment to proactive infrastructure development and the protection of residents’ lives, property, and livelihoods,” Oyelade added.

Oyo Prepares For Flood, Dredges 11 Rivers is first published on The Whistler Newspaper