By Salifu Faridat
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has embarked on a comprehensive flood awareness campaign, spanning the state’s 20 local government areas and 27 local council development areas, aimed at mitigating potential flood risks.
The campaign, aptly named the “Early Warning on Flood Prone and Vulnerable Areas,” seeks to educate residents about the dangers posed by flooding and the critical importance of adopting precautionary measures.
A core focus of the sensitization effort is highlighting the risks associated with constructing structures in right-of-way zones, particularly within flood-prone regions, and underscoring the urgency of preventing drainage blockages due to refuse accumulation.
Leading the charge is Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, who emphasizes the need to be prepared for the flood predictions set forth by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency for the year 2023.
The campaign was inaugurated in the Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) at Ijaiye-Ojokoro, with the participation of the LCDA Chairman, Hammed Tijani, as well as the management and staff of Ojokoro LCDA.
Notably, Community Development Association/Community Development Council chairmen and members from Ojokoro communities also engaged in the event.
In his address, Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu underscored the collective obligation to fortify flood resilience in Lagos.
He appealed to residents to refrain from erecting permanent structures, such as houses and shops, in right-of-way zones and flood-prone areas like low-lying regions and flood plains near dams and reservoirs.
He cautioned against these actions, explaining that they could exacerbate flood impacts, posing substantial risks to lives and property.
The LASEMA official issued a stern advisory against driving through flash floods, as it could result in individuals becoming stranded and exposed to life-threatening circumstances. Instead, he urged residents to prioritize their safety and avoid venturing into flooded areas during heavy rainfall.
LASEMA’s timely flood awareness campaign addresses a critical need to protect Lagosians from potential floods in 2023.
By heightening awareness and advocating for proactive measures, the agency aims to cultivate a safer and more resilient community capable of facing natural disasters.
Residents are implored to heed the provided warnings and cooperate with authorities to ensure an environment free from flooding and conducive to security for all.
