Olamide FAKEYE
Nigeria – A non-political group, known as Yewa North Patriotic Forum in Ogun State has commiserated with the government and people of Borno state on the devastating flood that had wreaked havoc in some communities in the state, resulting in loss of life, displacement of millions and destruction of properties.
In a statement signed by the forum President, Adeyemi Sunday, the forum call on the following agencies and ministry; Federal Ministry of Water Resource, National Water Resources Institute, Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency, River Basins Authorities (especially Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority), Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) to take proactive measures to: (1). Ensure proper and timely weather forecasting to predict flood risks and alert communities. (2). Inspect and maintain dams nationwide, particularly Oyan Dam in Abeokuta. (3). Fully utilize existing dams for irrigation, water supply, hydroelectric power generation and flood control. (4). Construct additional dams, weirs, barriers, spillways, canals, and aqueducts. (5). Develop comprehensive flood control and management plans. and (6). Ensure regular dredging of rivers to remove silts, debris and allow optimal water flow.
The forum also demand:
1. The Federal Government to release more ecological funds and ensure transparent utilization for flood prevention and management.
2. Timely relocation of people from floods prone areas to safer zones.
3. Destruction of structures on waterways obstructing natural flow of water.
Additionally, they requested the Ogun State Government and Federal Governments to: Construct a dam on Yewa River in Yewa North Local Government to prevent seasonal floods and develop hydraulic structures like weirs, spillways, canals to regulate the flow of water.
It urged all stakeholders to join forces in preventing future flood tragedies.
