The Ogun State Government has warned residents in flood-prone communities to remain vigilant and relocate to safer areas where necessary, following forecasts of heavy rainfall during the second phase of the 2026 rainy season.
The warning was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, who said the state was expected to experience intense rainfall averaging about 360mm in September, according to the Seasonal Climate Prediction of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
Oresanya said the first phase of the rainy season, which lasted from mid-March to July, recorded intense rainfall and isolated flash floods in some parts of the state, although the impact was relatively minimal.
He attributed the situation to proactive measures by the state government, including sustained public awareness campaigns, regular maintenance of rivers, streams and drainage channels, as well as improvements in waste management.
The commissioner said major waterways and river channels, including Sokori River and its tributaries, Opa-Aro, Adiyan, Eruwuru, Yemule, Gbogidi Canal and Ijamido rivers and streams, had received particular attention.
According to him, the second phase of the rainy season is expected to begin in September, while rainfall in the inland areas of the state is projected to decline from October into early November.
Oresanya, however, warned that prolonged rainfall, controlled overflow from Oyan Dam and tidal fluctuations could trigger river and coastal flooding in some parts of the state.
He explained that the combined effects could temporarily oversaturate wetlands and floodplains, thereby increasing the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities.
The commissioner urged residents in Isheri, Arepo, Mawere, Magboro, Akute and Warewa, as well as parts of Abeokuta, to remain alert and relocate to safer locations where necessary.
The advisory also covers coastal communities in Makun-Omi, Iwopin, Oni, Ifaara and Igele in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area; Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East Local Government Area; Tungeji Island and Agosasa in Ipokia Local Government Area; and communities along the floodplains of the Ilo and Iju rivers.
Oresanya also advised fish farmers operating within floodplains and river corridors to harvest their stocks promptly to minimise possible losses.
He specifically urged fish farmers in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase and Ayegbami, among other vulnerable locations, to act on the warning without delay.
The commissioner called on Ministries, Departments and Agencies, local government authorities, emergency response organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders to intensify flood-response activities and regularly monitor vulnerable locations.
He also urged relevant authorities to ensure that drainage channels remain free of refuse and other obstructions, while community leaders were advised to strengthen public awareness campaigns.
Oresanya said timely information and early action remained critical to reducing the impact of possible flooding.
He added that the state government would continue to monitor weather forecasts and hydrological conditions in collaboration with NiMet, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and other relevant stakeholders.
The commissioner assured residents that the government would sustain measures aimed at reducing the impact of flooding across the state and urged the public to take the advisory seriously and remain responsive to further updates from the government and emergency agencies.
