EKITI GOVERNMENT URGES RESIDENTS TO EXERCISE CAUTION AS HEAVY RAINS CONTINUE, SYMPATHISES WITH FLOOD VICTIMS.
The Ekiti State Government has again urged residents and travellers across the State to exercise extreme caution as heavy rainfall continues to trigger flooding in some parts of the State.
The advisory followed heavy rainfall experienced in Ado-Ekiti and other parts of the State in recent days, which resulted in flooding in some locations and affected properties, businesses and means of livelihood.
The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, in a statement made available to the press, expressed the Government’s heartfelt sympathy to residents whose properties, businesses and livelihoods were affected by the flooding.
Olatunbosun stressed that the Government had not been unaware of the possibility of intense rainfall, noting that it had, ahead of the latest incident, commenced sustained public sensitisation on the impending heavy rains as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), urging residents to exercise caution and take necessary safety measures.
He said the sensitisation was aimed at ensuring that residents remained alert to weather forecasts, avoided vulnerable areas and took appropriate precautions whenever heavy rainfall occurred.
The Commissioner also disclosed that, in response to concerns arising from the flooding, he had directly addressed residents protesting around the Pathfinder/Aayemi Garrage area along the Iworoko Road, where flooding had generated significant concerns among residents and road users.
He added that he also appeared on a simulcast programme to further explain the situation, the Government’s interventions and the precautionary measures expected of residents.
While acknowledging the concerns arising from the flooding, Olatunbosun urged residents to remain calm, exercise caution and cooperate with relevant authorities as efforts continue to address the situation and minimise further risks.
He noted that flooding associated with intense rainfall was not peculiar to Ekiti State, as similar incidents had been reported in parts of Akure, Osun, Oyo, Lagos and Delta States, as well as in other parts of the world, underscoring the increasingly unpredictable nature of extreme weather events.
The Commissioner said the warnings contained in weather forecasts by NiMet underscored the need for heightened vigilance and strict adherence to safety measures during periods of heavy rainfall.
He assured residents that the Ekiti State Government, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, had continued to implement measures aimed at mitigating flooding and protecting lives and property.
He highlighted some of the Government’s interventions to include extensive dredging of waterways, desilting of drainage channels, removal of blockages, public sensitisation and collaboration among relevant agencies to improve environmental management and enforce development control.
According to him, the State Government has expended over ₦1.18 billion between 2023 and 2026 on flood-control interventions, including the rehabilitation of waterways and drainage infrastructure across the State.
He said the investments formed part of the Government’s broader commitment to addressing environmental challenges and strengthening the State’s capacity to respond to emergencies.
Olatunbosun acknowledged that the intensity of rainfall, rapid movement of stormwater and other environmental factors could trigger sudden flooding in vulnerable areas despite ongoing preventive measures.
He, however, stressed that the situation required continued vigilance, responsible conduct and collective action by the State Government, communities and residents, whom he described as critical stakeholders in flood prevention and management.
The Commissioner particularly advised residents to avoid walking, riding motorcycles or driving through flooded roads, bridges, streams and other water channels, irrespective of the apparent depth of the water.
He also cautioned parents and guardians to keep children away from flooded drainage channels, riverbanks and other areas exposed to fast-moving water.
Olatunbosun further emphasised the importance of seeking shelter in safe and elevated locations during heavy rainfall and warned against attempting to cross flooded routes.
Urging residents to maintain proper environmental sanitation, he stressed the need to refrain from dumping refuse into gutters, culverts and drainage channels, noting that indiscriminate waste disposal could obstruct the free flow of water and worsen flooding.
He advised residents to promptly report blocked drains, rising water levels and other environmental hazards to the relevant authorities.
The Commissioner also urged residents to comply with official safety advisories and evacuation instructions, particularly in flood-prone communities.
He stressed the need to avoid erecting structures on waterways, drainage setbacks and flood-prone areas, while calling for greater cooperation with government agencies responsible for environmental protection and physical planning.
Olatunbosun called on community leaders, landlords, market associations, transport operators and other stakeholders to support public safety efforts by disseminating flood warnings and discouraging activities that obstruct drainage systems.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to the welfare and safety of residents, the Commissioner said relevant agencies would continue to respond to the situation and strengthen measures to mitigate flooding across the State.
He urged residents to remain calm, avoid panic and refrain from relying on unverified reports, advising them to obtain information from official government channels and promptly report emergencies to the appropriate authorities.
“The Government appeals for the understanding and cooperation of all residents as the State continues to address the effects of the heavy rainfall and safeguard lives and property,” he said.
