Heed flood alerts, safety measures, Kwara gov’t urges residents

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has called on residents to take flood warnings and precautionary measures seriously, as part of ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of flooding in the state.

The appeal was made on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Communication, Bola Olukoju, who emphasized the need for communities, especially in flood-prone areas, to remain vigilant.

Olukoju stated that various government agencies have conducted several public enlightenment campaigns on how to prevent and reduce the risks associated with flooding. These efforts, she noted, include outreach through radio stations and community leaders, as well as practical measures such as the desilting of drainages and waterways in major areas of the state.

“More of such programmes are still ongoing, including through radio stations and community leaders,” Olukoju said in the statement. “The government has desilted many drainages and water passages within the metropolis, while discouraging actions that could worsen the climate crisis and rising water levels.”

The commissioner also highlighted efforts in riverine communities like Patigi and Edu, where traditional leaders have been actively engaging residents to relocate from flood-prone areas to safer locations previously allocated by the government. “We appeal to our people to follow this important advisory as the government continues to provide support in various ways,” she added.

In addition, the statement reiterated the government’s commitment to advocating for the dredging of the River Niger, which it described as the long-term solution to the recurrent flooding in the region.

The Kwara State Government’s continued push for safety awareness and preventive measures reflects its focus on reducing the risks and impact of floods, particularly as the rainy season intensifies.