Skip to main content

Governor Oyebanji's Efforts Keep Ekiti Safe from Flood Risks

...as FG warns 30 states, FCT of heavy rains, floods

As the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) unveiled its 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, Ekiti State was notably absent from the list of high-risk flood areas, a significant achievement for the state.

The 2025 flood forecast highlighted 1,249 communities across Nigeria that are at risk of severe flooding, with 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) identified as most vulnerable. 

However, Ekiti was not among those flagged, reflecting the state’s ongoing efforts in environmental management.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration has focused on proactive flood prevention strategies over the years. The state has implemented significant infrastructure improvements, including spending heavily on dredging, clearing of drainage systems and the rehabilitation of erosion-prone areas in key communities such as Ado, Ikere, and Ijero. 

These efforts are aligned with the broader focus on mitigating flood risks, as highlighted by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, during the unveiling of the flood outlook.

The Federal Government’s flood risk predictions, unveiled by the Minister in Abuja, indicated that several states, including Bayelsa, Rivers, Ogun, and Lagos, are expected to face severe flooding this year. 

The flood outlook identified 1,249 communities in 176 Local Government Areas (LGAs) as being in high flood-risk zones. Flash and urban flooding are also expected to affect major cities across the country due to high rainfall and inadequate drainage management.

However, Ekiti’s absence from these high-risk zones is attributed to the proactive steps taken by the state government under Governor Oyebanji’s leadership, supported by continuous collaboration with relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

This preventive approach is seen as a critical factor in safeguarding the state’s communities from the devastating effects of flooding, which has been a recurring challenge in other regions. 

The Director General and CEO of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making and real-time responses, something Ekiti has embraced by implementing targeted flood control measures.

By prioritizing flood control and infrastructure improvements, the government has effectively reduced the state’s vulnerability to major flood disasters, ensuring the safety of lives and properties. 

This proactive stance shows the importance of early planning and response in disaster risk management, a sentiment shared by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Richard Pheelangwah, who urged stakeholders to prioritize early response.

Ekiti’s efforts serve as a model for other states to follow, showing that with proper planning, infrastructure, and early intervention, flood risks can be mitigated before they become disasters.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

BREAKING: APC Unveils 57-Member Campaign Council for Ekiti 2026 Governorship Election

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has announced the composition of its Campaign Council ahead of the 2026 governorship election, appointing key political leaders and stakeholders across the state to coordinate the party’s campaign structure. According to the list released by the State Chairman, Barrister Sola Elesin, a total of 57 members have been appointed into the council. Leading the council is Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader, who will serve as Chairman, while Hon. (Barr.) Sola Elesin will function as Vice Chairman. Other members of the council include: Senator Chief Yemi Adaramodu Senator Cyril Fasuyi Hon. Akinlayo Davidson Kolawole Hon. Akintunde Rotimi Hon. Adeniyi Rufus Ojuawo Hon. Abiodun Omoleye Hon. Femi Richard Bamisile Hon. Steve Fatoba Mr. Dele Alake Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo He Biodun Aluko He Modupe Adelabu He Paul Alabi Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju Senator Dayo Adeyeye Senator Biodun Olujimi Senator Bode...

With or Without Defection, You Have Won - Fayose Tells Oyebanji in Ikere

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, on Tuesday stirred the political atmosphere in Ikere Ekiti as he openly declared that Governor Biodun Oyebanji has already secured victory in the coming elections, with or without fresh defections into the ruling party. Fayose spoke at the defection event of Engr. Henrich Akomolafe in Ikere Ekiti, where political leaders and stakeholders gathered in a show of unity. Addressing the Governor directly, Fayose said: “Your Excellency, anybody who wants to join this party to genuinely support you is welcome. I will personally encourage them especially those who will not give you a hard time. He, however, made it clear that the Governor’s political strength does not depend on defections. “Without people decamping, the Governor has won his election. Without people decamping, the President also has won his presidential election. We are only respecting ourselves.” Fayose stressed that the overriding interest of political actors in the s...

President Tinubu Affirms Oyebanji’s Second-Term Ticket in Birthday Message, Silences Speculations

December 21, 2025  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put to rest lingering beerpalour speculations around the Ekiti State governorship ticket as he openly affirmed that Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination for a second term. The affirmation came on Saturday in a birthday message issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, as Governor Oyebanji marked his 58th birthday. In the congratulatory message, President Tinubu not only celebrated Oyebanji’s personal milestone but also clearly stated that the Ekiti governor “has already secured the All Progressives Congress’ nomination to contest for a second term in office in 2026.” The presidential acknowledgment effectively douses the wave of rumours and political conjectures, making the rounds by followers of a disqualified aspirant over the APC ticket in Ekiti State. President Tinubu, in the message, reflected on Governor Oyebanji’s lo...