News

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

Published

4 days ago

August 4, 2025

Editor

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.

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.

“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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

“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

News

NCAA Seeks K1 De Ultimate’s Arrest, Petitions AGF, IG

Published

11 hours ago

August 7, 2025

Editor

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has formally petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police, asking them to investigate and prosecute veteran Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, over an incident that occurred aboard a domestic ValueJet flight.

The incident, which happened on Tuesday, reportedly disrupted standard operational procedures and has raised serious concerns about passenger behaviour and compliance with aviation safety protocols.

According to preliminary reports, K1 De Ultimate was allegedly involved in conduct during ValueJet flight VK201 that contravenes the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.

According to a statement signed by the agency on Thursday, it noted that in the petition, the NCAA urged the Attorney-General and the IGP to “launch a thorough investigation into the incident” and commence “appropriate prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations 2023 supra and all other applicable laws.”

In a further move to reinforce compliance and accountability, the Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo has issued an advisory to the Airline Operators of Nigeria recommending that K1 De Ultimate be placed on a No-Fly List for all commercial flights pending the conclusion of the investigation.

The advisory, according to the NCAA, is in line with international aviation best practices designed to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft operations.

The statement read, “In a letter addressed to both the Attorney-General and the Inspector-General of Police, the NCAA called for a comprehensive criminal investigation and the initiation of appropriate prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations 2023 supra and all other applicable laws.

“Furthermore, and in light of the growing concern, the Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, has also issued an advisory to the Airline Operators of Nigeria, urging the immediate consideration and institution of a No-Fly List for K1 De Ultimate (on any commercial flight), pending the outcome of official investigations.

“This advisory is in line with global aviation standards that prioritise the safety of passengers, crew, and airline operations.

“The NCAA reiterates its commitment to ensuring that no individual, regardless of their status or public image, undermines the integrity of our aviation industry as passengers are held to the same standards of behavior and compliance within Nigeria’s airspace.”

The Authority emphasised that aviation safety and discipline remain non-negotiable and that the industry cannot afford to tolerate acts that could endanger lives or compromise the integrity of flight operations.

News

FG Unveils Four Water Projects In Ogoni, Commits To Implementing UNEP Report

Published

11 hours ago

August 7, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government has commissioned four new water projects in Ogoniland, with renewed commitment to addressing public health concerns and full implementation of the report of the United Nations Environment Programme.

The water projects located in Bodo community (Gokana LGA), Eteo (in Eleme LGA), Uegwere-Boue, and Taabaa communities (both in Khana LGA) now brings the number of Ogoni communities with reticulated potable water to 40, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, has said.

Also unveiled was a new HYPREP Area Office in Kpor, headquarters of Gokana LGA, which aims to improve engagement with host communities.

Speaking at the ceremony in Bodo community on Thursday, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas, described the development as a major step in the federal government’s resolve to restore the dignity of the Ogoni people after decades of environmental degradation from oil pollution.

Abbas stated, “The biggest victim of pollution is water. Water is what gets polluted first, and so the whole essence of HYPREP is to restore water, land, and a better environment. Access to clean and safe water is not just a basic necessity, it is a fundamental human right.”

While noting that the projects are not just infrastructure, but “symbols of hope, equity, and justice” for communities that had long suffered the impacts of oil-related pollution.

He urged residents to take ownership of the facilities and protect them from vandalism.

“Today, as we commission these projects, we are not only laying a physical foundation but also upholding human rights. These commitments underscore our shared dedication to the health, dignity, and well-being of our people,” he stated.

The minister reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to full delivery of UNEP’s report and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.

“On behalf of the federal government, I affirm our unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the UNEP report. The Ogonis have suffered for too long. It is our duty to address their worries,” Abbas said.

In his address, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, said progress is also being recorded across other UNEP-aligned thematic areas, including soil remediation, mangrove restoration, health infrastructure, and youth empowerment.

Zabbey stated, “We have completed remediation of 50 simple-risk sites, while work on medium-risk, complex sites is 38% done. Our mangrove restoration project is already 93% complete.”

He stated that over 5,000 Ogoni youths and women have been trained in 20 skill sets, while 7,000 direct jobs have been created through the programme, which he described as a major boost to local livelihoods and stability.

He said, “Work on the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration and Ogoni Power Project is 90% and 40% complete respectively, while the Buan Cottage Hospital and Ogoni Specialist Hospital are nearing completion at 98% and 86%.

“With the Ogoni Health Study now underway, HYPREP has reached the point of simultaneous implementation of key UNEP actions, remediation, water, health and livelihood, working together to transform Ogoni holistically.”

Managing Director of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Engr. Tony Attah, represented by the General Manager of Relations and Sustainable Development, Igo Weli, praised the federal government and HYPREP for achieving a key milestone.

“This marks a significant moment in our journey to improve public health and the quality of life of Ogoni people. We also commend the resilience and commitment of the communities. Your support reflects a shared desire for progress,” Attah said.

News

FG Warns Of Flooding In Lagos, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, 26 Others

Published

11 hours ago

August 7, 2025

Editor

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency on Thursday warned of potential flooding in 198 local government areas across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The alert, obtained by our correspondent, covers August 7 to August 21, 2025, a span of 15 days during which vulnerable communities are advised to take precautionary measures.

The alert categorised flood risk levels as very high, high and moderate, depending on local topography and rainfall intensity projections.

The affected states are Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, the Federal Capital Territory, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.

According to NiHSA, very high-risk states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Delta, Gombe, Kebbi, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara.

While states categorised as facing high to moderate risk include Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross-River, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ondo, Plateau, Sokoto, and Taraba.

The agency also noted that 832 communities are at risk of varying degrees of flooding.

The alert also warned of the potential disruption of over 100 major transportation routes, particularly in flood-prone areas.

“High likelihood of displacement, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. NiHSA urges residents in affected regions to remain vigilant, adhere to early warning directives, and cooperate with emergency response agencies,” it stated.

To mitigate the potential impacts of flooding, NiHSA recommended that all emergency management stakeholders should get prepared for response protocols to ensure timely intervention.

It added, “Communities at risk should put evacuation plans in place.

“Follow up on NIHSA’s state-level weekly forecast for community-specific forecast, and monitor updates from NIHSA.”

The Director General of NiHSA, Umar Mohammed, said, “This alert is issued in line with our commitment to safeguarding lives and property. We call on state governments, local authorities, and the public to take proactive measures to mitigate risk and ensure community safety.”

He emphasised that they will continue to monitor the hydrological situation and provide timely updates as necessary.

On Tuesday, the National Emergency Management Agency revealed that in 2025, no fewer than 191 lives have been lost to the floods that have ravaged parts of the country, while 94 people remain missing.

The report by NEMA showed that Niger State recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 163 deaths, followed by Adamawa State, where 26 people lost their lives. One death each was reported in Borno and Gombe states.

The data further indicated that, so far this year, the floods have affected 134,435 people across 20 states and 47 local government areas.

Additionally, 48,056 people have been displaced, while 239 injuries have been reported. The floods have also damaged 9,499 houses and affected 9,450 farmlands.

NEMA’s dashboard also revealed that among those affected are 27,121 men, 41,539 women, 60,071 children, 5,704 elderly persons, and 1,874 persons with disabilities.

In 2024, the floods affected 5,264,097 individuals, displacing 1,243,638 people across 35 states and 401 local government areas. The disaster resulted in 1,237 deaths and left 16,469 individuals injured.

Also, 116,172 houses were destroyed, and 1,439,296 hectares of farmland were affected, further worsening the economic and humanitarian impact of the flooding across the country.