News
Flood Alert: Ogun Govt Warn Residents, Offer Preventive Tips.
The Ogun State government has issued a flood alert, to guide residents of the state in the prevention of flood in the approaching raining season.
According to the government, it is an annual practice,
to predict the rain pattern of the state for the particular year, its potential risk of flooding, what the residents of the state needs to do to mitigate its effects and other general information about the upcoming raining season.
For this year, the state government says, it’s is leveraging the Flood Alert on the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook released by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) which has predicted that the rain for this year in Ogun state is expected to start in March which was some days back and ends in the first week of December with average rainy period of two hundred and thirty- nine days (239) and an average precipitation of 1786.5mm.
According to the message, some parts of the State has also been identified to experience flash and urban flooding in year 2024.
“Of the twenty local Government Area of the state, sixteen (16) are expected to have highest rainfall with over 1700mm while those with lowest rainfall are lmeko Afon (1541mm) Odeda (1658mm). Abeokuta North (1675mm) and Abeokuta -South(1699mm).
“Due to this prediction, residents living on wetland areas of the State are advised to relocate to a safer ground or create a higher elevation within their residence before the rain commences fully.
“For agricultural purposes, the length of the growing season for the coastal areas of the season ranges between 250 to 292 days while that of inland areas is between 200 to 250 days.
Our farmers are therefore encouraged to start planting from now (April) while those involved in poultry businesses are advised against stocking density during this stress period which has started two months back till next month due to the predicted above normal temperature”
Continuing, the message some fish farmers were equally and strongly enjoined to harvest before the peak of the raining season which is in July.
Despite these cautions, the government also called “on the residents of the state to remain calm as the state government is putting measures in place to cushion the effects of the expected heavy rainfall and prevent damages to life and property through extensive desilting of our various drainage channels, rivers and streams channels.
“Aside from these, the state government will continue its productive synergy with the management of Ogun- Osun River Basin Development Authority on the management of the release of water from the two dams-Ikere Gorge Dam located on Ogun River and Oyan Dam on the largest tributaries of Ogun River to reduce the impact of flooding in wetland areas of the state.
“The state government through the Ministry of Environment is determined to also reduce the impact of flooding in the state through the newly- introduced Drainage Permit which is to guide intending businesses to appropriately discharge their storm water to the final discharge point and avert conflict with adjoining communities.
“Also, it will guide residents against building on flood planes and wetland unknowingly during dry season. Residents are advised to take advantage of this opportunity when they want to develop their landed property.
“Efforts are on by the state and the Federal Government to resolve the age long Isheri flood as it has commenced a comprehensive study of the drainage pattern in the area. Let me use the opportunity to thank the Federal Government for the care and support during the coastal flood experience at Isheri in 2023. We are committed to finding lasting solution to the flood issue in the area.
“The State government wish to complement its effort in addressing the menace of flooding by the construction of 2,975.6m length of drainage channel and mini bridges/culverts, desilt and clear 56,150m length of river /stream courses and desilt 40,000m length of drainage channel across the three senatorial districts. Some of the areas includes; Construction of drainage channel and culverts at Wesley Primary School, Ijebu-Ode, Reconstruction of dilapidated culvert at Saje Dumpsite road, Apakila (Abeokuta), Igbosoro (Ogijo, Sagamu LGA), Imasai; desilting of rivers/stream courses at Yemule (Ijebu-Ode), Sensen river (Sagamu), Onibuku (Ota), Odo-Funfun (Oja-Odan), Opa Aro (Isheri), Sokori river and tributaries while desilting of drainages channel will takes place at Abeokuta, Ifo, Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, Ilaro, Ota among others”
Conclusively, the government assured “residents of the state that the Ministry of Environment will continue to provide weekly update in English and local languages on expected weather condition to further guide our people as presently being done on radio, television and our various social media handles.
“We are also working on other public enlightenment programmes to further inform and educate our people on the right things they need to do during raining seasons which include the habit of dumping wastes on drainage channels, clearing of their drainage channels”
Entertainment
NIBAD 2026: Abike Dabiri To Take Centre Stage As Bunmi Ebony, DJ X-One Host Baltimore Event
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa ( OON) has been scheduled for honour, among other awardees, at the 2026 and the 6th edition of the annual Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD),billed to hold in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 18th of October .
At the instance of Naija Times USA and Raindrop Group led by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, activities marking the 6th edition of NIBAD commenced on the 3rd of October with Independence carnival in Maryland.
As part of the expanded 6th edition, the Annual Independence stage play titled ‘Your Excellency Sir!’ …The saga of a nation, written and directed by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, was showcased at a very colorful event on the 9th of October.
Designed to be an unforgettable celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence celebration, the grand finale of the celebration is billed for Sunday, the 18th of October, 4.00pm, at Gabriel Community Centre, 6948, Dogwood Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244.
The evening will not only commemorate Nigeria’s rich history and vibrant culture but will also spotlight the exceptional contributions of Nigerians at home and abroad in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, community service, and more.
The evening will feature a grand awards ceremony to honor those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective industries. Among them, Dr Dabiri- Erewa
Hon. Dr. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa (OON) is a prominent Nigerian politician, public administrator, and former broadcast journalist who has been able to show leadership since her appointment as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
To add colour to the event also, is
Dj X-One, reputed as the best Disc Jockey in the DMV area. Bunmi Ebony, a fast rising Juju Artiste in Atlanta will also be on the bandstand to thrill guests at the event to celebrate Nigeria.
****About NIBAD: The Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD) is an annual event that celebrates Nigeria’s Independence while recognizing the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora. NIBAD aims to highlight the cultural pride, resilience, and accomplishments of Nigerians globally, bringing together community leaders, professionals, and influencers for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and unity.
The Rivers State Police Command under CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju has condemned the purported renovation of the Abuloma Police Outpost by suspected cultists and ordered a full investigation into the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, ASP Blessing Agabe disclosed this in a Friday statement.
She said the command’s action follows a trending social media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the outpost and visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, to celebrate completion of the renovation.
The command said it “strongly condemns any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy, recognition or acceptance on suspected cult groups or other unlawful organisations.”
It added, “Police facilities are public institutions established for the protection of citizens and the enforcement of law and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence.”
The command said CP Adepoju maintains zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the police.
Consequently, he has queried and relieved the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected outpost of their duties pending investigation.
The CP has also ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the veracity of the allegations, including the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation; the police officers who authorised or approved the project; whether due procedures were followed; whether any officer breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the force; and the extent of any involvement by police personnel.
The command said while it welcomes legitimate community support for improving police facilities, consistent with Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund, such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security.
“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the command stated, adding that the investigation will establish whether necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed the renovation.
It reiterated that it would not condone unprofessional conduct or any form of improper association with criminal elements and that appropriate disciplinary and legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable.
The Police Command in Benue State has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi.
Orchia said the command had commenced full investigation into the incident and efforts were ongoing to rescue the priest.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, said the priest was abducted on October 13.
According to Itodo, Otache was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
He expressed sadness over the incident, saying the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the development.
He called on priests, religious members, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release.
He also urged prayers for other persons held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope for their safe return.
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