The Federal Government on Friday commenced the dredging of the Ogun River from its Lagos State end, near Ikorodu, down to Isheri as part of efforts to prevent the perennial flooding of communities along this axis in Ogun and Lagos states.
Speaking during the flag-off, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Deji Ashiru, said the 10-kilometre dredging project would help to widen and deepen the river, increasing its capacity to accommodate more water and control flooding.
Ashiru stated that the project, which is expected to last six months, would also help prevent incidents of dam collapses due to large volumes of water, as occurred in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Tuesday.
The MD emphasised that this intervention highlights the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritising the safety of lives and property across the country while working diligently to prevent flooding.
He added that people have often erroneously blamed the release of water from the Oyan Dam for the flooding along the Isheri axis and other communities in Ogun State, whereas 52 identified tributaries to the Ogun River also contribute significantly to rising water levels.
Ashiru noted that the Oyan Dam, which is maintained daily and in good condition, has been releasing water since March, yet there have been no reported cases of flooding.
Ashiru explained, “The history of flooding in the Isheri area and other parts of the downstream Ogun River is a matter of great concern. Devastating floods have disrupted lives, properties, and livelihoods, causing significant hardship for residents.
“While flooding has often been attributed to water releases from the Oyan Dam, it is essential to understand that this is not the sole cause.
“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 surges into the Oyan Dam, given predictions of large volumes of runoff in the coming months.
“To address this, the Federal Government, through the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, has taken preemptive measures. Since March, we have been gradually releasing water from the Oyan Dam in a controlled manner, increasing the dam’s capacity to accommodate excess floodwater.
“The dredging project we are flagging off today aims to improve water flow from the Ikorodu-Isheri section into the lagoon, reducing flood risks. By dredging this 10-kilometre stretch, we will create a more efficient discharge path for excess water, alleviating flood risks.”
While stating that the project represents a significant step forward in solving the flooding challenges, Ashiru called on the members of the communities to cooperate with the contractors for hassle-free operations.
Oba Sulaiman Adekunle Bamgbade, the Olofin of Isheri, commended the Federal Government for heeding the pleas of the people.
The royal father noted that the river was not only pivotal to the history of Isheri and the Awori tribes across the country but also essential to their economy and daily activities.
The monarch said, “As important and vital as the Ogun River is to our history and economy, the only challenge we usually face is the issue of flooding. We want to thank the Federal Government for doing this for us.
“We assure you of our full cooperation and support to ensure this dredging project is completed successfully.”
Goodwill messages were also delivered by Mr Olanrewaju Falade, Chairman of the Lagos/Ogun River Basin Communities Association, Youth Leader Eshinlokun Ajibola, and other chiefs from the adjoining communities, who expressed their gratitude to the Federal Government for the project and promised to support its successful execution.
The MD/CEO of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Deji Ashiru, officially handed over the dredging project of the Ogun River from the Ikorodu end to Isheri to the contractor on Friday.
