OGUN SEMA, NEMA INTENSIFY EFFORTS ON FLOOD ALERT
Ogun State Government has reiterated commitment to step up efforts on flood alert campaign messages to residents to keep them informed on ways to curtail and avert flood disaster in the State.
Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs in the State, Hon.
Olufunmilayo Efuwape, stated this at a day workshop themed: "Proactive Measures with Respect to the Alert on 2025 Imminent Flooding in Nigeria and Downscaling of Early Warning Messages" with National Disaster, Preparedness and Response Campaign agency (NPRC) and stakeholders, in Oke- Mosan Abeokuta.
Efuwape noted that Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration had always put in place various measures at curbing flood disaster in the State, adding that, several warning messages on indiscriminate dumping of refuse, regular clearing of drainages among others, had been aired on different media platforms which had yielded positive results in the state.
On his part, Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya represented by Director of Erosion and Flood Control Mr. Ismail Adenuga analysed causes of flooding to be natural and man-made, adding that the Ministry through Ogun State Waste Management Agency (OGWAMA) and other related agencies activities have made the State to record low flooding in the past six years.
Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Mr. Lateef Benson assured of Government readiness to domesticate campaign messages in indigenous language to make it clearer to the people at the community.
Responding, the Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Mrs. Zubeida Umar, represented by the Deputy Director, ICT, Justin Uwazuruwonye, said disaster management should be seen as a collective effort of all, imploring the community leaders and other stakeholders to join hands with both State Government and National agency to cascade the messages to the residents towards adhering strictly to the warnings.
Remarking, Acting Director, Ogun State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Mr. Soji Durojaye, appreciated the State Government and the authority of NEMA for the various intervention programmes, advising people in flood prone areas to relocate to safer environment.
Responding, representatives of Community Development Association, Pa Elijah Odumbaku and Alhaji Ogunmuyiwa Ishiaq, promised to continue to educate their people more on the disaster messages and abide by the rules.
Others in attendance were the representatives of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Red Cross Society, Ogun State Fire and Safety Service and members of Community Development Association (CDA).
Ramoni Wasiu & Ihimire Jane,
Information and Public Relations Officers, Min. of Special Duties & Intergovernmental Affairs
OGSG URGES CORPORATE BODIES ON IMPACTFUL CSR PROJECTS
Ogun State Government has called on business owners to be more deliberate and intentional about giving back to their host communities through impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects.
Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, made the call during a tour to International Breweries Plc. Gateway Plant, Bara, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the State.
Sofela, accompanied by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon. Sunday Oyesanya and Members of the State Chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), led by its Chairman, Mr. George Onafowokan, said companies should avoid giving mere tokens to the communities, as contributions made through impactful CSR projects would complement government efforts and ensure peaceful co-existence with host communities.
"Corporate Organisations seems to believe that once taxes are paid, they have met their obligations. That is not true. Payment of taxes is obligatory to the government. Contributions to the State Government or to State revenue are not as consequential. We need to do more, particularly for the local community. Our CSR should not be tokenism; it should be actual projects that impact communities," Sofela charged.
Speaking earlier, the Plant Manager, International Breweries Plc. Gateway Plant, Mr. Akintayo Oguntunde, said that as part of its sustainability drive, over 90 percent of the Company's raw materials were sourced locally, adding that efforts were being made by stakeholders in the industry to successfully cultivate malted barley in the country to avoid dependence on imported raw materials.
He assured of the company's willingness to continue to give back to the host communities, noting that over ₦36,560,000 had so far been disbursed to 425 beneficiaries as grants through the company’s Kick Start programme, while various CSR projects such as potable water, electrification, and smart agriculture initiatives had also been executed.
Others present included officials of the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS), as well as the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Wale Osunbiyi,
Information and Public Relations Officer, Min. of Industry, Trade and Investment
OGUN CAUTIONS CITIZENS ON SAFETY DURING FLASH FLOODING
Ogun State Government has enjoined residents of the state not to panic due to the ongoing flash-flood in the state which is a natural prediction, urging the people to stay calm and obey all the advises to mitigate it.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, the assurance became necessary to stop residents from unnecessary fear over the surging waves of rains, advising them to heed to warnings towards safeguarding lives and property.
According to Oresanya, ‘’residents are enjoined to stay indoors when it rains or stay in a safe place when on transit. Motorists and commuters are also advised to avoid the temptation of crossing flood paths until the torrent recedes which are usually within one or two hours. Households and community leaders are equally counseled to ensure that all constrictions along drainage channels and canals are removed"
Oresanya informed residents of the state to expect more torrential rain in the next three weeks which is first peak of the raining season, saying citizens should be proactive in contacting the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA and the Flood Emergency Management response teams at the nearest Local Government to them in case of any emergency.
He added that the Community Development Associations, CDAs had also been mobilised as first responders for flood emergency management within their communities.
Rotimi Oduniyi,
Information and Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Environment.
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