News

Lagos Warns Kara, Mile 12, Agiliti, Ikosi Ketu, Others Over Oyan Dam Water Release

Published

1 year ago

October 18, 2024

Amid prediction of heavy rainfall, the Lagos State Government has alerted residents, particularly those in flood plains, over the systemic release of water from Oyan Dam by the Ogun Osun River Basin Authority, OORBDA.

The state called on them to relocate to higher and safer grounds to prevent possible loss of lives and properties.

State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated this on Thursday, at a media briefing in Alausa, Ikeja.

According to Wahab, the OORBDA, acknowledged the concerns raised regarding the ongoing water release from the Oyan Dam and its impact on surrounding communities, particularly those along the Ogun River water channels extending into Lagos State.

He explained that OORBDA operates the Oyan Dam in strict compliance with safety protocols to prevent structural damage to the dam and mitigate flood risks.

Wahab noted that it was crucial to understand that the dam’s annual operations are informed by real-time hydrological data, rainfall predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, and flood outlooks from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA.

“These sources guide the water release decisions, ensuring both flood control and the integrity of the dam,” he said.

As detailed in the latest operational report by OORBDA, the total water released from the dam this year, as of October 12, 2024, stands at 1,484.2 million cubic meters (mcm). This remains below the average synthesized annual flow volume of 1,770 mcm.

“Although rainfall across the Oyan River catchment area has been significant, with a cumulative 984.1 mm recorded this year, it remains lower than last year’s 1,540.8 mm and is within safe operational levels.

“The dam is equipped with four radial gates capable of releasing up to 2,271 cubic meters per second (m³/s) during peak periods.

“However, current releases are measured at 208 m³/s, with only two gates opened at 12 per cent capacity each, ensuring controlled and steady discharge.

“Notably, 62.1 per cent of the dam’s flood control capacity remains intact, meaning the Oyan Dam is not under any imminent threat of releasing excess water beyond safe limits. This has been the collaboration of the State with OORBDA.

“Nevertheless, as a responsible State Government, we fully recognize the challenges faced by residents in affected communities, including: Kara, Mile 12, Agiliti, Ikosi Ketu, Owode, Ajegunle, and Odo-Ogun as reported,” he stated.

Wahab, however, stressed that while the flooding experienced in the areas has often been attributed solely to water released from the Oyan Dam, “this is not entirely the case.

“In reality, the downstream section of the Ogun River is influenced by a complex network of over 52 tributaries, all of which converge and contribute to rising water levels in the affected areas.

“These tributaries, combined with rain-induced runoff, significantly exacerbate the flood situation. This is a critical point to consider when addressing flood management strategies for this region.

“In an effort to reduce the flood risks and ensure the free flow of water, OORBDA flagged off the dredging of the Ogun River downstream from the Ikorodu to Isheri axis on Friday, September 13, 2024.

“This dredging project is a proactive measure to deepen the river channel and increase its capacity to convey water, thereby reducing the likelihood of flooding during periods of high inflow.”

Meanwhile, Wahab, disclosed that the State had earlier carried out dredging maintenance in the following locations, namely: Ajelogo, Owode-Elede, Ajegunle, and under deck-on-pile of Itowolo Bridge in anticipation of water release by OORBDA.

In addition, some right-of-ways along the catchment areas were protected and restored.

To effectively contain flooding in the state, he stated, “We are determined to maintain the long-established synergy and partnership with OORBDA, which has ensured control and monitoring of the steady and systematic release of water from Oyan Dam to prevent flooding of the downstream communities. This is a mutual relationship which we cherish, and we shall continue to sustain.

“Lagos State Government will continue to monitor the situation closely and collaborate with relevant Agencies and affected communities, to address humanitarian concerns, particularly for vulnerable groups like women, children, the elderly, and people living with disabilities.”

Wahab continued: “We urge Lagosians who reside along flood plains of major rivers and drainage channels to always be on the alert and be ready to relocate to higher grounds when the need arises.

“Meanwhile, the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang under Drainage Maintenance Department of the Ministry have been consistently de-silting and working on secondary collectors and conduits, to enable them discharge efficiently and act as retention basins.

“To our people, we sincerely appeal that they should desist from acts that can lead to flooding. They should stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorized places, throwing pet bottles on the roads, clogging of drains with silt or construction materials, erecting building structures within and around drainage Right of Ways/setbacks, stop discharging human waste into drains/canals which encourages high siltation and vegetal growth that easily clogs our canals as these acts impede the free flow of water.”

The commissioner, therefore, urged residents to report cases of drainage blockages, dumping of waste into canals and other unauthorized places to state Resident Engineers offices statewide in all 20 Local Government Areas and 37Local Council Development Areas to attend to all needs.

Wahab, also appealed to people to support efforts by complementing the State Government through regular clearing of drains in their frontages to ensure free-flow of storm water as well as to desist from dumping of refuse into drainage channels and roads.

News

NAF Launches Attack On Terrorists In Borno

Published

15 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, operating as part of the joint task force of Operation Hadin Kai, has carried out a coordinated air interdiction at AbbagaJiri in the Timbuktu Triangle, Borno State.

According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, the air strikes successfully paved the way for ground troops.

He explained that the operation was based on actionable intelligence from multiple sources, which confirmed the presence of terrorists, their structures, and concealed logistics facilities in the area.

Ejodame stated that NAF air assets were deployed in integrated surveillance and precision strike roles to target identified threats.

The operation aimed to degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them sanctuary, and shape the battlefield for ground forces, all while strictly adhering to rules of engagement and protecting civilians.

He added, “The Identified terrorist structures were decisively engaged and destroyed, denying the terrorists freedom of action, while a follow-up engagement neutralised armed elements observed converging on the location.”

“Subsequent advances by ground troops into the area confirmed the effectiveness of the air strikes and validated the success of the joint air–land operation.”

Speaking on the mission, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said, “The success of the mission reflects the NAF’s resolve to dominate the air domain in support of joint operations.”

Aneke further emphasized that the operation highlighted the service’s commitment to providing precise and decisive air power in support of ground forces.

In his words, “We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary, and logistics wherever they seek to hide. Air operations will remain relentless and intelligence-driven.”

“Our operations are carefully planned and intelligence-led, ensuring maximum effect on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians.”

“The Nigerian Air Force will sustain pressure until terrorist networks are completely dismantled.”

He further noted that the operation showcased NAF’s aggressive stance, precision employment of airpower, and dedication to sustained joint operations.

Aneke added that such missions play a crucial role in enabling ground troops to maintain momentum and deliver decisive outcomes against terrorist networks threatening lives, property, and Nigeria’s national security.

News

Lagos Parks To Close For Maintenance – State Govt

Published

15 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, LASPARK, has announced that all public parks under its management across the state will be temporarily closed for routine maintenance and upgrades.

In a statement released on January 9 and shared via its official platforms early Saturday, LASPARK said, “All parks under our management will be closed to the public from January 12 to January 31, 2026.

“This follows increased visitor activity during the recent festive season.”

The agency listed several popular recreational spots that will be affected, including “Ndubisi Kanu Park, Alausa JJT Park, Dr. Finnih Abayomi Park in Oregun, and all other LASPARK-managed parks across Lagos State.”

News

PAP Sends Additional 34 Foreign Post-graduate Scholarship Beneficiaries To UK Varsities

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2026

Editor

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has deployed an additional 34 foreign post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries to various universities in the United Kingdom for the 2025-2026 academic year.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri by Mr Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator, PAP.

According to the statement, the scholars’ programmes include data science, fintech analytics, cyber security, international energy law and policy, construction project management, public health, agri-food technology, electrical and petroleum engineering, among others.

The statement added that more foreign post-graduate scholars will be sent to UK universities in the current academic session.

“In December 2025, nine students, who were the first set of offshore post-graduate scholarship developments by the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for the 2024-2025 academic year, graduated from their various programmes in UK universities.

“Otuaro has deployed over 9000 students to universities within and outside Nigeria for different industry-relevant programmes since he assumed office in March 2024,” the statement partly reads.

Speaking at the pre-departure orientation programme for the scholars at the PAP headquarters in Abuja, on Thursday, Otuaro said that the large-scale deployment was aimed at making the Niger Delta a knowledge-driven region.

He said that his leadership reinvigorated the programme to give it a new momentum in service delivery to the people of the region based on the mandate of President Bola Tinubu.

Otuaro said, “We are sending all of you for post-graduate studies in various universities in the United Kingdom.

“The PAP now has a new momentum and direction because of the repositioning and broad reforms that we carried out in line with the mandate of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

“The objective behind the huge scholarships deployment is to ensure that we develop the needed human capital to transform the Niger Delta and generate knowledge-wealth.

“We want to develop relevant manpower in critical disciplines for our region and by extension, the country, because you are expected to contribute your quota to national development after successful graduation.”

The PAP boss, who was represented at the event by his Technical Assistant, Mr Edgar Biu, advised the scholars to study hard to achieve academic excellence in their various fields of research.

According to him, the scholars have an obligation to justify the Federal Government’s investment in their education and future.

He reiterated his warning that beneficiaries should not take for granted the opportunity to further their academic pursuits in the interest of the Niger Delta and indeed the country.

Otuaro expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his “enormous interest and support for the Programme”, particularly the approval of an upward review of the programme’s budget from N65billion to N150billion.

He also expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his impeccable guidance and supervision of the programme’s initiatives.

Otuaro, therefore, cautioned the scholars to obey their host country’s laws and the rules and regulations of their various institutions, stressing that they are ambassadors of Nigeria, the Niger Delta and their communities and families.

Highpoint of the orientation programme was the presentation of laptops to the scholars to help them in their studies.