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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.

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