Floods: Oyo calls for community action to prevent disasters

In response to the recent flash floods in several regions including Iseyin, Saki, Oyo and Ibadan, the Oyo State government has called on citizens for collective action to prevent recurrence of floods and protect the environment from other disasters.

Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, made the call during an opening ceremony of a one-day advocacy and sensitization program organized by the Oyo State Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (OYONEWMAP), an event that focused on Early Warning and Action , which covered 33 local government areas of the six zones of the state.

The Commissioner, represented by the Project Coordinator of OYONEWMAP, Tayo Ayoade, emphasized the critical nature of the recent floods as indicators of the urgent need for environmental vigilance.

Mogbonjubola explained the link between these natural disasters and climate change, noting their increasingly endemic, alarming and devastating consequences.

He said: “The advocacy and sensitization efforts are aimed at reviving the role of the community in preserving the environment, and preparing and empowering individuals to tackle the threats of flooding and erosion hazards to take.”

The Commissioner reiterated that the desilting of streams and rivers in six local government areas as part of the OYONEWMAP project is a testament to Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration prioritizing a sustainable environment that will promote development and healthy living for all residents .

In his presentation ‘Early Warning and Early Actions on Flood Hazard’, Adebowale Oladipo outlined the distinction between lead times for flood warnings and flood forecasts.

He identified construction on waterways, improper waste disposal and deforestation as major causes of flood risks and outlined the necessary precautions to mitigate these hazards.

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, commended Governor Makinde’s commitment to people-oriented policies and his commitment to making Oyo State a safe and desirable state. 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 of four local government councils in Oke Ogun 1, representing religious communities, market associations, youth leaders and chairmen of the CDC and CIG.

Meanwhile, the state government has also demolished a facility used by suspected illegal miners to process and package lithium outside the state.

The facility, located in Idi Ayunre, Oluyole Local Government Area of ​​the state, was demolished after obtaining a court order to do so.

Recall that on February 28, 2024, Governor Makinde had ordered the closure of the factory, which was originally intended for battery and tire recycling.