By Awyetu Asabe Hope
The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh flood alert ahead of the second phase of the 2026 rainy season, urging residents in flood-prone communities to remain vigilant and relocate to safer areas where necessary.
The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, following the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s forecast of heavy rainfall across the state.
Oresanya said the first phase of the rainy season, which lasted from mid-March to July, recorded intense rainfall and isolated flash floods in some parts of Ogun, but the impact was relatively limited due to the government’s preventive measures.
He said the measures included public awareness campaigns, regular maintenance of rivers, streams and drainage channels, as well as improved waste management.
According to him, NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction indicates that the second phase of the rainy season will begin in September, with Ogun expected to record about 360mm of rainfall during the month.
He warned that prolonged rainfall, possible controlled overflow from Oyan Dam and tidal fluctuations could increase the risk of river and coastal flooding by slowing the flow of the Ogun River.
The commissioner identified Isheri, Arepo, Mawere, Magboro, Akute, Warewa and parts of Abeokuta among areas requiring vigilance.
He also listed coastal communities including Makun-Omi, Iwopin, Oni, Ifaara and Igele in Ogun Waterside; Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East; Tungeji Island and Agosasa in Ipokia; as well as communities along the floodplains of the Ilo and Iju rivers.
Oresanya urged residents in the affected areas to take precautionary measures and move to safer locations where necessary.
He also advised fish farmers operating along floodplains and river corridors to harvest their stocks promptly to minimise losses that could result from flooding.
The commissioner said rainfall in the state’s inland areas was expected to decline from October into early November.
