The National Emergency Management Agency NEMA, has appealed to Osun State Government to take proactive and necessary measures in guiding against flooding which has become a recurring experience in Nigeria.
The Director General, National Emergency Management Agency ,Air Vise Marshall 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 it occur but rather advisable for Government and the people to prepare ahead for any possible occurrences .
The NEMA D.G spoke 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 current year and also forecasted flood situation in the country.
The NEMA Boss stressed that NIMET flood forecast shows that 102 Local Government Areas in 28 States including Osun State fall within the highly flood prone and risk areas while the remaining 8 states including the Federal Capital Territory fall within the moderately probable flood risk areas.
NEMA DG further disclosed that 11 local governments in Osun which include 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, Osun Governor ,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 spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji said that almost all the major rivers and streams identified as flashpoints of 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 however said that the state Government can not 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 unprepared for. .
Earlier in his welcome remarks,the Acting General Manager for Osun State Emergency Management Agency(OSSEMA) Engr Akinade Adabanija said Ossema which came into existence in the year 2007 and saddled with the responsibility of managing all forms of natural disasters, has recorded a number of achievements in the State over the years,most importantly in saving lives and properties.
Highlight of the Advocacy visit was the presentation of gifts to the Governor by the NEMA delegates leader, Air Commandore,Kolawole Adedokun.
