By Popoola Jamiu, Abeokuta
The Ogun State Government has stepped up efforts to mitigate the impact of flooding and strengthen food security through coordinated disaster preparedness measures and the revitalisation of agricultural infrastructure across the state.
The twin initiatives, spearheaded by the Ogun State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Ogun State Agro-Services Corporation, underscore the administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while boosting agricultural productivity and rural development.
As part of measures to avert the devastating effects of flooding predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for 2026, the Ogun State Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), NiMet, Sahel Consulting and other partners, organised a stakeholders’ engagement under the National Disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign.
The programme, themed “Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance for a Resilient Nigeria,” was held at the Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, and brought together government officials, community leaders, emergency response agencies, farmers and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo Baker, said the gathering reflected the state’s determination to proactively address potential flood disasters and minimise their impact on communities.
According to her, effective collaboration among stakeholders remains critical to reducing disaster risks and building resilient communities, particularly at the grassroots level.
“Our preparedness efforts demonstrate a collective commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods and property. Through stronger coordination and community engagement, we can significantly reduce vulnerabilities and enhance resilience across the state,” she said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Rotimi Akinlesi, observed that while some disasters occur unexpectedly, flooding is often predictable and seasonal, making early preparation essential.
He urged residents, community leaders and local governments to take preventive measures and remain vigilant as the rainy season progresses.
Director of Ogun State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Soji Durojaiye, reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and called on Community Development Associations (CDAs) to support flood prevention efforts through proper environmental sanitation.
He specifically urged communities to engage registered waste disposal operators and desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels, a major factor contributing to urban flooding.
Representing the Director-General of NEMA, the agency’s South-West Zonal Director, Mr. Saheed Akiode, stressed that flooding remains one of the most destructive natural disasters confronting Nigeria.
He noted that disaster management becomes more effective when communities are adequately informed, prepared and actively involved in prevention and response activities.
Participants at the event welcomed the initiative and pledged to disseminate the knowledge gained within their communities.
A farmer from Abeokuta South Local Government Area, Mr. Lasisi Bello, described the engagement as timely and beneficial, while a community leader from Ewekoro Local Government Area, Mr. Adeolu Shakiru, said the campaign would help strengthen grassroots awareness and preparedness.
Meanwhile, in a parallel effort aimed at enhancing food production and agricultural service delivery, the Ogun State Agro-Services Corporation has commenced a comprehensive assessment of its facilities across the Yewa axis of the state.
Leading the inspection team, Chairman of the Corporation, Hon. Henry Fagbenro, said the exercise was designed to evaluate the operational status, infrastructure and challenges facing zonal offices located in Olorunda, Imeko, Ayetoro and Ilaro.
According to him, the assessment aligns with the state government’s agricultural transformation agenda and is intended to ensure that farmers receive efficient support services.
“Our mission is to ensure that every zonal office is fully functional and adequately equipped to support local farmers. This tour allows us to identify immediate areas requiring intervention, including equipment modernisation, facility upgrades and staff welfare improvements,” Fagbenro said.
He reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to advancing food security, empowering farmers and ensuring easy access to agricultural inputs across the state’s farming communities.
During the inspection, the team assessed input distribution warehouses, administrative buildings, storage facilities and utility infrastructure. Particular attention was paid to the condition and functionality of tractors, farming implements and processing equipment.
The delegation also held interactive sessions with zonal officers and field personnel to identify operational challenges and explore strategies for improving service delivery.
Officials at the zonal offices commended the management team for undertaking the assessment.
Mr. Abatan Dotun of the Ilaro Zonal Agro-Services Office and Mrs. Patricia Adeoye of the Ayetoro office said the visit provided a valuable opportunity to communicate pressing operational challenges directly to management and seek practical solutions.