WE’LL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL WEATHER ADVISORIES TO ENSURE A FLOOD FREE LAGOS-LASG

The Lagos State Government on Thursday reiterated its commitment to providing essential weather advisories to stakeholders, planners, decision-makers, and operators in socio-economic sectors across the state to ensure a flood-free state.

Speaking during a Downscaling workshop on the Seasonal Climate Predictions and Socio-Economic implications for the state, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Alausa, the Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Olalekan Shodeinde said the
provision of the advisories to various rainfall-sensitive sectors such as Agriculture, Transportation, Water Resources, Health, Environment, and Construction amongst others is highly essential.

Shodeinde who Spoke through the Director, of Drainage Enforcement and Compliance, Engr. Mahmood Adegbite said the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Ministry had released the annual Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP) earlier in the year to sensitize the public on the socio-economic implication of the rainy season.

PIX 7564/7570: L-R: Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Ogun/Osun river basin , Otunba Olufemi Odumosu, Representative of Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage and Water Resources and Director, Drainage Enforcement and Compliance Engr. Mahmood Adegbite, Director Water Resources, Office of Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Lanke Taiwo and Representative of General Manager, Nigeria Metrological Agency (NiMET), Mr. Oyegade Adeleke during a one day programme for downscaling of the year 2023 seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) in Lagos State. Held on the 18th of May 2023, at the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo drive, Ikeja.

He added that the Lagos State Government in collaboration with (NiMet) this year provided relevant stakeholders with detailed information that would enable Organizations to prepare sufficiently for the impact of the rainy season saying this is in line with the request of participants present at the Review of Y2022 SCP hosted by the Ministry.

“At this juncture, we want to assure you that our State will continue to reap the benefits of careful and rigorous planning, as our flood control measures are being stepped up to contain any imminent rainfall,” he said.

He said the Ministry as usual has embarked on an all-year-round drainage maintenance program for effective and efficient flood control, as well as upgrading its early warning system with the installation of automatic weather stations and river gauge stations.

He added that the Ministry reignited its sensitization campaign using established media platforms which include Tv, radio, print and social media as well as door to door campaign through stakeholder engagement strategy and visitation to affected communities speaking with community leaders and residents alike.

He emphasized that the Government remains determined to maintain the long-existing synergy with the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Authority (OORBDA), which has ensured control and monitoring of the steady and systemic release of water from Oyan Dam to prevent flooding of the downstream reaches of the Ogun River.

The Permanent Secretary urged the residents to continually support the efforts of the Government through the regular clearing of drains in their frontage to ensure free-flow of stormwater as well as desist from dumping of refuse into drainage channels.

Shodeinde advised the general public to stop the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorized places, clogging of drains with silt or construction materials, and erecting structures within and around drainage Right of Ways and setbacks.

He enjoined residents to report cases of drainage blockages, to Resident Engineers present in all Local Government Areas / Local Government Development Areas and zero tolerance offices across the state.

PIX 7564/7570: L-R: Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Ogun/Osun river basin , Otunba Olufemi Odumosu, Representative of Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage and Water Resources and Director, Drainage Enforcement and Compliance Engr. Mahmood Adegbite, Director Water Resources, Office of Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Lanke Taiwo and Representative of General Manager, Nigeria Metrological Agency (NiMET), Mr. Oyegade Adeleke during a one day programme for downscaling of the year 2023 seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) in Lagos State. Held on the 18th of May 2023, at the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo drive, Ikeja.

In his presentation, the Director General NIMET represented Mr Oyegade Adeleke noted that high intensity of rainfall is expected from May to June with the probability of having above 50mm in one day at 80% in Badagry, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Epe, Eti-Osa, Ibeju/Lekki and Ikeja.

He added that in September, the probability of having 100mm in one-day rainfall is 95% Statewide, stressing that the length of the rainy season is anticipated to vary between 242 to 245 days.

He said the onset of the rainy season is anticipated to start in the southern part.