Natural Disaster: Osun Has Been Proactive On Preventive Measures- Gov. Oyetola
ABIODUN JIMOH, ABEOKUTA
Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has revealed that his administration has been very proactive on all possible steps towards effective prevention of any emergency situation, especially flood across the state.
This was stated in a statement made available to Daily Dispatch by Segilola Babalola, Press Officer, Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA).
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Oluwole Oyebamiji, who represented Governor Oyetola disclosed this during an advocacy visit to state government by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) led by Air Commodore Kolawole Oyedokun, and stakeholders coordination forum on a mission to reinforce OSEMA towards preparedness in mitigating effects of flood in Osun held in Osogbo.
The governor said: “The meeting is an attempt to plan ahead for this year’s possible negative effect of annual rainfall earlier predicted by NIMET and the government has been very conscious of the prediction.
“The state government has dredged almost all the major rivers and streams that have been identified as flashpoints of flood in the state. All the flood plains and setbacks to streams and rivers are being cleared of illegal structures capable of obstructing the natural flow of water.”
In his remarks, the Director General of NEMA, AVM Muhammed (rtd), represented by Air Commodore Kolawole Adedokun stressed that it was the responsibility of government and the people to evolve strategies that could minimize losses through adherence to warning alerts, early preparation and proper response.
He stated further that the 2020 seasonal rainfall prediction and annual flood outlook had earlier forecasted flood outlook situation for different parts of the country.
“The annual flood outlook informed that 102 local government areas in 28 state fall within the probable risk area, while 275 local government areas in 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory fall within the moderately probable flood risk areas and Osun State is not left out,” he said.
However, Air Commodore Adedokun appreciated the efforts of the state government and the stakeholders in their preparedness for possible flood including their activities towards prevention of flood in the state.
In his welcome address, the Acting General Manager, OSEMA, Engr. Tajudeen Adabanija appreciated the efforts of NEMA flood Advocacy team for coming to the state with the aim of reinforcing the agency’s flood preparedness, mitigation and response measures.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of gift to the state government by NEMA.
Present at the event were Commissioner for Home Affair, Prince Tajudeen Lawal; Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Engr. Sola Oladepo, Head of Operation in charge of Ekiti, Ondo and Osun, Mr. Olusegun Afolayan among others.
