Says 28 States Are Highly Prone To Flooding This Year.
The National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA), has appealed to the State Government to take proactive and necessary measures to guide against flooding which has become a recurring experience in Nigeria.
The Director General National Emergency Management Agency ,Air Vise marshal Muhammadu Muhammed made the appeal at the Osun State Governor’s Office during NEMA Flood Advocacy visit to Osun State on Friday.
He said disaster will not wait for any preparation before its occurred but rather advisable for government and people to prepare ahead in case of any possible occurrences .
The NEMA D.G speaks through the leader of the Advocacy Team sent to Osun State,Air Commandore Kolawole Adedokun who explained that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency(NIMET) had earlier predicted that there will be high rainfall in the year 2020 and also forecasted flood situation for the country.
The NEMA Boss stressed that, NIMET flood forecast showed that 102 Local Government Areas in 28 States including Osun state fall within the highly flood prone and risk areas.,while the remaining few 8 states including the Federal Capital Territory fall within the moderately probable flood risk areas.
NEMA DG further disclosed that Eleven(11) Local Government in Osun state which includes Ila,Odo -Otin ,Irewole,Obokun,Irepodun ,Ilesha West,Atakumosa West,Osogbo,Ifelodun ,Ede South and ,Egbedore are flood prone areas while Ila Local government is highly prone to flood this year.,
In his response the governor of Osun ,Mr adegboyega Oyetola explained that the administration has been very proactive on steps to effectively prevent the occurrence of any emergency situations in the state.
Governor Oyetola who speaks through the Secretary to the State Government,prince Wole Oyebamiji said that almost all the major rivers and streams identified as a major flashpoints for flood in the state have been dredged .
According to the Governor “we are aggressive in our public awareness campaign to enlighten our people not to indulge in waste dumping in drainages and water ways as well as other activities that can amplify the incidence of flood and erosion”.
” All the flood plains and setbacks to streams and rivers are being cleared of illegal structures capable of obstructing the natural flow of water”.
He said,as the state Government can do it all alone, the Governor therefore appealed to the Federal Government and well spirited individuals and organizations to assist the state in tackling the menace of disaster occurrences which in most cases are unplanned for. .
Earlier in his welcome remarks,the Acting General Manager for Osun State Emergency Management Agency(OSSEMA) Engr Akinade Adabanija said Ossema came into existence in the year 2007 and saddled with the responsibility of managing all forms of natural disasters has recorded a numbers of achievements in the state over the years,most importantly in saving lives and properties.
Highlight of the Advocy visit was the presentation of gifts to the governor by the NEMA delegation team leader, Air Commandore,Kolawole Adedokun.
Jelili Tiamiyu
SSG Office.
