By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
Federal Government on Friday said it has started taking proactive measures to chart pathways for easy flow of excess water from Oyan Dam in Ogun State ostensibly to prevent Borno – like ravaging flood from occuring in Isheri communities(Ogun) and Ikorodu in Lagos State.
The recent flood that submerged communities, cities and towns in Maiduguri with the attendant loss of lives, destruction properties and businesses worth billions of naira was caused the failed Borno dam.
Apparently learning from the unfortunate incident, the FG said it has commenced gradual release of water from the Oyan Dam in Ogun State in a controlled manner to increase its capacity to accommodate excess floodwater in the coming days and months.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA), Mr Deji Ashiru, an engineer who disclosed this while performing the flag-off ceremony for the dredging of 10km stretch of the Ogun River downstream, said the perennial flooding of Isheri area and others parts of the river is a “matter of great concern” to the FG.
Ashiru said the intervention became necessary following predictions that there would be a potential water surge into the Oyan Dam from large volumes of upstream runoff in the coming months.
The ceremony was hailed by the Olofin of Isheri Awori, Ogun State, HRM. Oba Sulaiman Adekunle Bamgbade, other traditional rulers, associations and residents of the flood prone areas who witnessed the flag – off and handing the site over to the contracting firm, Lanum Integrated Services Ltd, at Itowolo – Ikorodu corridor of the Ogun River downstream.
Ashiru said the FG is more concerned more about protecting lives, properties and businesses by taking the proactive steps to prevent any devastating flood than the aquatic lives and aquatic culture going-on in the river.
And contrary to the held belief that the Isheri incessant flooding is the result of water discharge by the Oyan Dam, Ashiru said the dam is not the sole causative factor, stressing that it is actually a pivotal role player in controlling erosion in the area.
He said, “The downstream section of the Ogun River is influenced by a complex network of 52 river tributaries, which contribute to rising water levels. The Oyan Dam plays a crucial role in erosion control, mitigating the damaging effects of uncontrolled water flows.
“However, recent flood patterns, including the catastrophic flooding in Borno State due to a failed dam, highlight the need for proactive measures. We must prepare for potential water into the Oyan Dam, given predictions of large volumes of runoff in the coming months.
“To address this, the federal government, through the Ogun – Oshun River Basin Development Authority, has taken preemptive measures. Since March (2024), we have been gradually releasing water from Oyan Dam in a controlled manner, increasing the dam’s capacity to accommodate excess floodwater.
“The dredging project aims to improve water flow from the Ikorodu – Isheri section into the lagoon, reducing flood risks. By dredging this 10km stretch, we will create a more efficient discharge path for excess water, thereby alleviating flood risks.”
