As flooding looms with the second rainy season peak, communities along the Ogun River, including Arepo, Isheri, and Magboro, are urgently appealing for government intervention.
As flooding looms with the second rainy season peak, communities along the Ogun River, including Arepo, Isheri, and Magboro, are urgently appealing for government intervention. Yearly dam releases from Oyan Dam have led to destructive floods, despite local mitigation efforts like clearing drainages and raising roads. Community leader Olarewaju Falade said, “We are not asking for something new. We are simply calling on the governments to fulfill their promises before the flood comes.”
The Lagos/Ogun River Basin Communities Association has sent multiple letters since 2024, demanding dredging, a second water diversion channel, and prioritization of flood control over aquaculture. Ola Smith stressed, “We want the Ogun State Government to come and continue the second phase and also clear the first phase.” He added, “Not that we will not have flood, but the severity will be low.” Residents also urged Lagos State to elevate roads and improve drainage to avert disaster.