Education
Avoid Flooded Roads, Waterways, Ekiti Govt Tells Residents As Rains Intensify
By Afesojaye Adeyinka
The Ekiti State Government has urged residents and motorists to exercise extreme caution and avoid flooded roads and waterways as heavy rains continue to cause flooding in parts of the state.
The advisory comes after days of downpour in Ado-Ekiti and other towns, which flooded several locations and damaged properties, businesses and sources of livelihood.
In a statement on Monday, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, sympathised with affected residents and said government had anticipated the intense rainfall following forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet.
According to him, the government had commenced sustained sensitisation campaigns ahead of the rains, urging residents to monitor weather forecasts, avoid vulnerable areas and take necessary safety precautions.
Olatunbosun disclosed that he personally addressed residents who protested around the Pathfinder / Ayemi Garage area along Iworoko Road, one of the worst-hit spots, and also featured on a simulcast radio and television programme to explain government interventions.
He appealed for calm and cooperation, noting that flooding from heavy rainfall is not peculiar to Ekiti, as similar incidents have been recorded in Akure, Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Delta and other parts of the world.
The Commissioner said the Oyebanji administration has spent over N1.18 billion on flood control between 2023 and 2026, including dredging of waterways, desilting of drains, removal of blockages and enforcement of development control.
He however admitted that the intensity of the rainfall and rapid stormwater runoff could still trigger sudden flooding in vulnerable areas despite preventive efforts.
Olatunbosun warned residents to avoid walking, riding or driving through flooded roads, bridges and streams, regardless of water depth, and urged parents to keep children away from flooded drains and riverbanks.
He also advised residents to seek shelter on higher ground during heavy rain, avoid dumping refuse in gutters and culverts, and report blocked drains and rising water levels to relevant agencies.
He further cautioned against building on waterways and drainage setbacks, and called on community leaders, landlords, market groups and transport unions to help spread safety warnings.
He assured that relevant agencies will continue to respond and strengthen mitigation measures, while urging residents to rely only on official channels for information and to promptly report emergencies.