By Adeyinka Adeniran
In response to the recent flash floods experienced at various regions, including Iseyin, Saki, Oyo and Ibadan, the Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, has called for a collective action by the citizens to prevent recurrence of floods as well as safeguarding the environment against other disasters.
He made the call at the opening ceremony of a one-day Advocacy and Sensitization Program organized by the Oyo State Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (OYONEWMAP), an event, which focused on Early Warning and Action, which spanned across 33 local government areas of the six zones of the state.
The Commissioner, represented by OYONEWMAP Project Coordinator Mr Tayo Ayoade, emphasized the critical nature of the recent floods as indicators of the urgent need for environmental vigilance.
Mogbonjubola explained the connection between natural disasters and climate change, noting their increasingly endemic, alarming, and devastating impacts.
He said: “The advocacy and sensitization efforts aim to reinvigorate the community’s role in environmental preservation, preparing and empowering individuals to address the threats posed by flood and erosion hazards.”
The Commissioner reiterated that the desilting of streams and rivers in six local government areas as part of the OYONEWMAP project is a testament of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for prioritizing a sustainable environment that will engender development and healthy living to all residents
In his presentation, “Early Warning and Early Actions on Flood Hazard,” Mr. Adebowale Oladipo delineated the distinction between flood warning lead times and flood forecasts.
He identified construction on waterways, improper waste disposal, and deforestation as key contributors to flood risks and outlined necessary precautions to mitigate these dangers.
In their seprate remarks, the local government chairmen, including Hon. Mufutau Osuolale Abilawon of Iseyin, Hon. Abdul Jelili Adebare Oyinloye of Iwajowa, and Hon. Ojo Akintola of Itesiwaju, lauded Governor Makinde’s commitment to people-oriented policies and his dedication to making Oyo State a safe and desirable place to live.
The event was graced by royal dignitaries such as the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola, represented by Prince Semiu Azeez, Onidoko of Ago, Oba Joseph Oyediran, and Eleyinpo of Ipapo, Oba Yekini Ademola Abioye.
Others include directors from four local government councils in Oke Ogun 1, representatives of religious communities, market associations, youth leaders, and chairpersons of the CDC and CIG.
