By Abdullahi Lukman
The Ogun State Government has issued a flood alert, urging residents of riverine and coastal communities to relocate to safer areas between late September and mid-October to avoid severe flooding risks.
The warning was released on Sunday by Dr. Ola Oresanya, Commissioner for Environment, in the 2025 Ogun State Midterm Flood Alert Press Statement.
Communities along the Ogun, Ilo, Iju, Owa, and Yemule Rivers—including Isheri, Warewa, Akute, parts of Abeokuta, Ayetoro, Itele, and Iju—as well as coastal areas like Makun, Oni, Iwopin, Igele, Ifaara, Ebute-Imobi, Tungeji Island, and Agosasa, are expected to be most affected.
The flooding is attributed to multiple factors: river overflow, rising sea levels, tidal lock, heavy rainfall, inflows from northern Nigeria and Benin Republic, and potential water releases from the Oyan Dam.
Dr. Oresanya said the flooding usually lasts about two weeks and forms the second phase of the yearly flood season between September and November.
Based on Nigerian Meteorological Agency data, September will see the highest rainfall of 204mm, followed by 190mm in October and 93mm in November.
To minimize impact, the State Emergency Management Agency is on red alert for emergency evacuations, while the Ministry of Environment is coordinating with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority to regulate water release from the Oyan Dam.
Dr. Oresanya advised residents to avoid using boreholes and wells during the flood period due to possible water contamination and urged fish farmers in floodplain areas to harvest their stock immediately to prevent losses.
He thanked residents for their cooperation over the past six years, which has helped reduce flooding impact, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
