Osun Govt Ramps Up Flood Defense Efforts Amid Persistent Rainfall

Osun Govt Ramps Up Flood Defense Efforts Amid Persistent Rainfall

The Osun State Government has intensified its focus on flood-risk assessment, public safety and preparedness as rainfall continues across parts of the state, urging residents to take precautionary measures and remain attentive to official weather and emergency advisories.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in its weather bulletin issued on 15 October 2026, provided a three-day forecast covering 16–18 October, including Osogbo. With further showers and possible thunderstorms forecast for the Ede area over the coming days, residents are advised to exercise caution, particularly in low-lying communities and locations with a history of flooding.

Earlier, the Director-General and Special Envoy of the Governor of Osun State on Climate Change and Renewable Energy undertook a preliminary field assessment in Ede North Local Government Area ahead of a proposed stakeholder engagement on flood management, in furtherance of the Governor’s directive to strengthen the state’s response to flooding.

The assessment forms part of the state’s broader effort to understand conditions at community level, identify locations requiring closer attention and inform coordinated, evidence-based interventions. Findings from field assessments, alongside verified incident reports and relevant meteorological and hydrological information, will help guide engagement with relevant ministries, departments, agencies, local governments and affected communities.

The exercise also builds on the comprehensive flood-management directives issued by Governor Ademola Adeleke on 1 October 2026. These directives include coordinated assessments of affected communities, inspection of damaged roads, bridges and culverts, emergency clearance of critical drainage channels, improved documentation of affected households and the development of a long-term Osun State Flood and Stormwater Master Plan.

The government recognises that effective flood management requires both immediate preparedness and sustained investment in resilient infrastructure, drainage maintenance, responsible waste disposal, land-use planning, reliable early-warning systems and community participation. These measures must be informed by evidence and coordinated across relevant public institutions.

PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY

In view of the continuing rainfall, residents across Osun State are advised to:

1. Avoid walking, swimming or driving through floodwaters, as water depth and current strength can be difficult to judge.
2. Keep drains, gutters and culvert entrances around homes and businesses free of refuse and other obstructions. Do not dump waste into waterways.
3. Exercise caution when travelling during heavy rainfall and avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges or fast-flowing channels.
4. Monitor water levels in locations prone to flooding and move people, essential documents and valuables to safer places if water begins rising.
5. Report blocked drainage channels, damaged culverts, unsafe bridges, rising floodwaters and other hazards promptly to the relevant local government authorities and emergency responders.
6. Follow official advisories from NiMet, the Osun State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant authorities.

Residents in areas experiencing rapidly rising water or immediate danger should move to safer ground without waiting for further announcements and seek assistance from the appropriate emergency services.

The Osun State Government calls on community leaders, residents, transport operators, businesses and relevant public institutions to support collective preparedness and timely reporting of emerging risks.

The government will continue to strengthen its assessment and coordination efforts in line with the Governor’s directives, with the objective of protecting lives and livelihoods, reducing flood exposure and building a more resilient Osun State.

Public safety remains a shared responsibility. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, act early and rely on verified official information.

Signed:
Oluomo Kolapo Alimi,
Hon.Commissioner Information and Public Enlightenment