In response to the recent flash floods experienced at various regions, including Iseyin, Saki, Oyo and Ibadan, the Oyo State government has called on citizens for a collective action to prevent recurrence of floods as well as safeguarding the environment against other disasters.
Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, made the call at an opening ceremony of a one-day Advocacy and Sensitisation Programme organised by the Oyo State Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (OYONEWMAP), an event, which focused on Early Warning and Action, which spanned across 33 Local Government Areas of the six zones of the state.
The Commissioner, represented by OYONEWMAP Project Coordinator, Tayo Ayoade, emphasized the critical nature of the recent floods as indicators of the urgent need for environmental vigilance.
Mogbonjubola explained the connection between these natural disasters and climate change, noting their increasingly endemic, alarming, and devastating impacts.
He said: “The advocacy and sensitisation efforts aim to reinvigorate the community’s role in environmental preservation, preparing and empowering individuals to address the threats posed by flood and erosion hazards.”
The Commissioner reiterated that the desilting of streams and rivers in Six Local Government Areas as part of the OYONEWMAP project is a testament of Governor Seyi Makinde’s Administration for prioritizing a sustainable environment that will engender development and healthy living to all residents
In his presentation, “Early Warning and Early Actions on Flood Hazard,” Adebowale Oladipo delineated the distinction between flood warning lead times and flood forecasts.
He identified construction on waterways, improper waste disposal, and deforestation as key contributors to flood risks and outlined necessary precautions to mitigate these dangers.
In their separate remarks, the local government chairmen, including Mufutau Osuolale Abilawon of Iseyin, Abdul Jelili Adebare Oyinloye of Iwajowa, and Ojo Akintola of Itesiwaju, lauded Governor Makinde’s commitment to people-oriented policies and his dedication to making Oyo State a safe and desirable place to live.
The event was graced by royal dignitaries such as the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III, represented by Semiu Azeez, Onidoko of Ago, Oba Joseph Oyediran, and Eleyinpo of Ipapo, Oba Yekini Ademola Abioye.
Others include Directors from four Local Government Councils in Oke Ogun 1, representing religious communities, market associations, youth leaders, and chairpersons of the CDC and CIG.
Meanwhile, the state government has also demolished a facility being used by suspected illegal miners to process and package lithium out of the state.
The facility, located at Idi Ayunre, Oluyole Local Government area of the state, was demolished after obtaining a court order for that purpose.
Recall that Governor Makinde had, on February 28, 2024, ordered the closure of the facility, which was originally meant for recycling batteries and tyres.
