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Floods: Ondo, Osun, Ekiti Map Risk Zones, Clear Waterways

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The governments of Ondo, Osun and Ekiti states have embarked on flood mapping as a proactive measure against flooding in their respective states.

This involves identifying flood-prone areas and investigating the factors contributing to vulnerability.

The initiative is a response to the anticipated heavy rainfall and potential flooding across the country predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.

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Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Akure, the Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Tob Loko, said a comprehensive flood mapping exercise would safeguard vulnerable communities from recurring flood disasters.

Loko said the initiative reflected the state government’s commitment to adopting a preventive and data-driven approach to flood management.

We are not just identifying flood-prone zones, we are also investigating the underlying environmental and structural factors contributing to their vulnerability.

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READ ALSO:Flood Sweeps 12-year-old Pupil In Edo

“While we are working to stay ahead of potential disasters, provisions are also being made to support residents who may be affected by unexpected flooding.

“Perfection isn’t humanly possible. If any area is inadvertently missed during the mapping and later experiences flooding, we are considering emergency measures such as temporary relocation and distribution of relief materials,” he said.

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The commissioner urged residents of the state, especially those in high-risk areas, to cooperate fully with the state government officials as assessments and interventions commenced.

Also, the Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr Olumide Kinga, said that since the beginning of the year, the ministry had sustained aggressive mechanical channelisation across the state.

“We have three amphibious excavators that are placed in the three senatorial districts, working round the clock to make sure that we give our people a befitting environment, particularly during this rainy season.

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“Actions are at top gear to make sure that we dissuade people blocking drainages and we have written to all the 18 local government chairmen to come up with length and dimension of drainages to be taken care of in the next one week,” he said.

READ ALSO:Flood: NEMA Launches National Preparedness, Response Campaign In Bauchi

The administrative secretary stated that residents of the state must embrace proper disposal of their waste, saying the government was trying to provide an effective system of collection and disposal of waste across the state.

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The Senior Special Assistant on Volunteer Service, Mr Adeolu Iwakun, said the state government had launched sensitisation programmes across multiple platforms to educate the public and guide them on response measures.

According to him, all local governments are also addressing flooding in their various council areas within their capacity through a good drainage system.

Iwakun, also the state Coordinator of the Nigerian National Volunteer Service, said several relevant organisations were collaborating with the state government to provide technical advice and support that would avert flooding.

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Also speaking with NAN in Osogbo, the General Manager, Osun Emergency Management Agency, Mr Deola Oni, said the state government had deployed three swamp buggies across the state to dredge and clear waterways for flood prevention.

Oni said the three swamp buggies, operating permanently in Osun waterways, had helped in averting flood disasters in the state by clearing the way for the passage of water.

The swamp buggies keep dredging most of the waterways to make them wider for the passage of water.

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READ ALSO:Ondo Begins Major Waterway Clearing To Prevent Floods

It is a positive move on the part of the state government to prevent flood disasters, and we are always on the ground to give relief materials to any victim of such a disaster,” he said.

According to him, the agency has been sensitising the public on the need to avoid throwing refuse in the drainage systems to prevent flooding.

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We are not relenting on our campaign to Osun residents on the need to embrace flood preventive measures.

“Also, we are ready to respond to any emergency and to give relief materials to any victims of flood disaster in the state,” he said.

The OSEMA GM further explained that a lot had been done to educate and inform residents in the state on the consequences of not abiding by flood preventive measures.

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NAN Correspondent also visited some locations in the state, including the Osun River, where the swamp buggies had already cleared for free flow of water.

READ ALSO:Flooding: Tinubu Announces Disaster Relief Fund

Similarly, the State Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mayowa Adejoorin, said the state embarked on continuous clearing of waterways and channels every year to prevent flood disasters.

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According to him, Gov. Ademola Adeleke graciously approved the clearing of waterways and channels across the state at the beginning of every year as a proactive measure.

Due to the proactiveness of the state, Osun has not experienced any flood cases, either minor or major, in recent years.

“We started clearing our waterways and water channels in November 2024, based on the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s prediction that some riverine states will experience flooding, and Osun is one of them.

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“We also put mechanisms in place to ensure that our people do not block the waterways with refuse. We continue to enlighten and sensitise them through media coverage on the dangers of blocking water channels.

“We also removed some structures that were erected on the waterways. To the glory of God, we have not experienced any flooding this year, even as we are experiencing heavy rainfall,” he said.

READ ALSO:2027: Makinde For President Posters Flood Kano

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NAN reports that a swamp buggy excavator was seen at the Gbonmi area in Osogbo and Ita-Olookan end of the Osun River, clearing the waterways, just as concrete barriers were being constructed along the waterways.

In Ekiti, the State Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, while speaking with NAN, said the Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning had started marking illegal structures obstructing waterways for possible demolition across the state to further prevent flooding, and safeguard lives and property.

Afuye expressed regret that Ekiti witnessed repeated and devastating cases of flooding, fire and thunder disasters that wreaked havoc in some towns in 2024 and 2025.

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She said NiMet had predicted Ekiti as one of the possible flashpoints for flooding in 2025, which also made it expedient for all local government chairmen in the state to begin taking decisive actions.

According to her, the actions will prevent desertification, ensure regular desilting of waterways, encourage tree planting, avoid building on flood-prone axes, and encourage community-based disaster strategies.

She also asked the local government chairmen to continue to spread the anti-flooding campaign across the state in view of NiMet’s prediction and to further avert occurrences that could throw the state into an avoidable crisis.

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READ ALSO:Nigerians To Experience More Days Of Excessive Heat — NiMET

Also, the National Emergency Management Agency, Head of Operations in Ekiti, Dr Kofoworola Soleye, said the agency has constantly issued warning notices on how to avert flood disasters.

We have identified flood-prone areas in Ekiti, and we are collaborating with the state government in ensuring that Ekiti don’t experience flooding.

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“We also had a flag-off of stakeholders engagement on flood by the National Disasters and Response Campaign (NPRC) recently in Ekiti to prepare against flooding,” he said.

The NEMA boss also said the agency was collaborating with other relevant stakeholders in ensuring that Ekiti is safe from flooding.

The Commissioner for Environment, Mrs Tosin Ajisafe-Aluko, said the drains and gutters in the state were now cleaned and constantly monitored to ensure free flow of water.

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The state government has provided bins at strategic areas of the state to trash waste, and we do sensitise the general public on waste disposal and management,” she said.

Mr Adesina Abogunrin, Head, Search and Rescue Unit, Ado-Ekiti Operations Office, advised people in flood-prone areas to relocate to higher grounds as part of preventive measures.

NAN

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Oba of Benin Renews Bond With Ancestral Relations, Nigerians During Emorhọ Feast

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The palace of the Oba of Benin was agog with activities during the 2025 Emorhọ fest, declared by Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin as part of activities to mark the ancient Emorhọ, otherwise known as the ‘New Yam Festival’.

Oba of Benin, who reenacted the age-long festival, renewed the bond that exist between him and his ancestral relations from Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State at the event, which attracted dignitaries, including Benin people, indigenes and non-indigenes across Edo State.

Members of the Benin Royal family, Edionwere (village heads), youth leaders across the various communities in Benin, market women group, palace chiefs, traditional priests and priestesses in Benin, were also in attendance.

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READ ALSO:Oba Of Benin Declares Two-week Fasting, Prayer For Edo

A special prayer offered on behalf of the palace by Chief Enorense Ozigbo-Esere, the Osuma of Benin, paved the way for the commencement of the feast, where Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, welcomed guests and highlighted the essence of the gathering.

Speaking in an interview, Oba Ewuare younger ancestral relations from Issele-Uku led by Chief Michael Odiakosa, expressed delight for the privilege to be part of the historic celebration.

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He explained the relationship between Benin and Issele-Uku, reaffirming that, “Issele-Uku is an extension of Benin Kingdom. We are all descendants of Benin. So, we are at home”.

READ ALSO:Oba Of Benin Ushers In ‘Emorọ’

We are in a safe place. We came to celebrate the festival with our father, the Omo N’ Oba, and we are happy to be here”, Odiakosa said.

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On his part, 99-year-old Pa. Paul Osarumwense Oyemwen, the Odionwere of Orior-Ozolua community in Uhunmwode LGA who thanked the Oba for the gesture, said the festival is not new in Benin and it’s devoid of sacrifices.

Expressing her appreciation to the Oba of Benin, the ‘Edo markets leader’, Pastor (Mrs) Josephine Ibhaguezejele, noted that members of the group have been waiting anxiously for the opportunity to partake in the yearly festival, while praying God that the blessings of the festival to transform lives.

Also speaking, Pa. Daniel Osunde, the Odionwere of Idumwun-owina, N’ Iyeke-orhiomwon, also prayed for the Oba and thanked the first Class traditional ruler for his foresight.

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Excited guests in their numbers were fed with African delicacy, amid dancing and jubilation, while members of Isikhian women group who gave a good account of their stewardship, were not left out in the celebration by the Oba who rewarded them with cash gift and other items in acknowledgement their duties in Benin.

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Okpebholo Poised To Surpassing People’s Expectations — Edo Deputy Gov

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Edo deputy governor, Hon Dennis Idahosa has assured that the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration is poised to surpass the expectations of the people of the state in terms of campaign promises fulfilment.

Idahosa said that the administration had hit the grand running right from the day of inauguration by identifying and prioritising the key areas of the SHINE agenda for implementation.

A statement by Mr Friday Aghedo, Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, said Idahosa spoke when he received the prestigious Peace Ambassador Award from the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA).

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The award ceremony held at the deputy governor’s office during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the IAWPA led by the President, Amb. Per Stafsen, the South-South Coordinator/Edo state Director, Amb. Amos Areloegbe, and other zonal representatives.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Warns Companies Against Fuelling Edo–Delta Boundary Dispute

“We pray, by the grace of God, Edo State will surpass the expectations of the people when we are through with our tenure,” he declared.

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Idahosa described the recognition as a source of pride, not just for him, but for the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration.

Governor Okpebholo is a man of peace, and his government stands firmly for peace. This award is a validation of his unwavering commitment to building a safe and harmonious Edo State,” he said.

The Deputy Governor emphasized that peace and security remain central pillars of the government’s five-point SHINE agenda, noting that collaboration with traditional institutions, religious leaders, and civil society organizations has been vital in sustaining stability across the state.

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Peace is extremely important in any society. Where there is peace, there is security; where insecurity prevails, peace cannot exist.

“This recognition today strengthens our resolve to continue being ambassadors of peace,” Idahosa stated.

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On his part, Amb. Amos Areloegbe noted that IAWPA, a United Nations–certified body aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), deliberately chose Edo State to commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence on October 2.

According to him, “Edo State remains one of the most peaceful states in the federation, hence our choice to celebrate here.”

The investiture was hailed by observers as not only an honour to Idahosa but also as an acknowledgment of Edo’s growing reputation as a bastion of peace under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership.

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Ogoni Women Protest Resumption Of Oil Production, Demand Accountability In $1Bn Cleanup Funds

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Ogoni women drawn from all works of life have come out to protest against the resumption of oil production in the area without proper negotiation.

The women expressed anger over the non-transparent nature of the entire oil resumption exercise, accusing the government of attempting to manipulate them into giving up on their demands as expressed in the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR).

The women further demanded that the Nigerian government account for $300million Ogoni infrastructure development fund which is alleged to have been diverted by some key government personalities in alliance with some Ogoni leaders.

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They further demanded accountability for the $1Billion Ogoni cleanup funds which they said is a failed project.

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The women, who marched on the streets of Bori, the traditional headquarters of Ogoni, accused the government of neglecting the core demands of the Ogoni people including the demand for the creation of a Bori State and compensation for livelihood losses due to decades of devastating oil spills in the lands.

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“We lost everything, crops, drinking water sources, food and farming lands and we now live with strange illnesses which ultimately will lead to our death. No one is interested in all that. The only thing the government is interested in is our oil resources. We reject the insensitivity of the government and we want to be heard”; one of the protesters who pleaded anonymity told Ogoninews.

Another speaker, Mrs Helen Huoma said the plot to resume oil production in Ogoni is deceptive.

“The oil industry people are always lying. They will tell us something and do another. When we ask our MOSOP leaders, they tell us they know nothing about what the government and the oil industry are doing. It’s all a bunch of confusion and deceit. We will resist this move because we paid heavily to give Ogoni a name and the pride it has today”

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A woman identified as Janet from Gokana Local Government Area alleged that the Nigerian government has never been interested in the welfare of the Ogoni people.

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She alleged that the government had only been interested in the oil and after that, they appeased political leaders with contracts to suppress local residents.

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“All they do is deceive the Ogoni people and we continue to suffer in the midst of abundant natural resources. If they can divert $300million, then how can we trust them? Before we start, let them account for the $300 million and the cleanup program which, at least, should have solved some basic problems.”

The Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu had recently directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu to engage the NNPC Limited and work out modalities for the resumption of oil production in Ogoni. This directive followed a meeting with some Ogoni leaders in Aso Rock, Presidential Villa.

The president had also recently granted pardon to the Ogoni nine including Ken Saro-Wiwa and to four Ogoni leaders who were murdered on May 21, 1995. The Abacha regime had blamed Ken Saro-Wiwa for the murders and executed him along with 8 others on November 10, 1995 despite global outcry acknowledging their innocence.

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Following the executions, a United Nations fact finding team visited Nigeria. The team acknowledged that the entire trial process was flawed and noted that Nigeria did not even follow the minimal prescription of its own laws in the conduct of the trial.

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