By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
The Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYOSEMA) has issued an urgent flood alert for residents of three local government areas in Ibadan—Akinyele, Egbeda, and Oluyole—as heavy rainfall is expected within the next 24 hours.
According to a statement released Friday afternoon by OYOSEMA’s Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Ojuolape Busari, the Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) indicates that some areas may receive over 100mm of rain (approximately 4 inches). She said the rainfall is expected to be particularly intense northeast of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Ibadan airport axis.
“This advisory is meant to activate the concerned Local Government Authorities and communities to take necessary precautions to prevent loss of life, displacement, and extensive property damage,” Mrs. Busari emphasized.
Specific locations flagged for potential impact include:
- IITA area in Akinyele LGA
- Airport area in Egbeda LGA
- Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Oluyole LGA
She warned that flash floods may rapidly inundate low-lying streets, compromise road safety, and render transport routes impassable, especially for motorists.
“Turn around, don’t drown,” Mrs. Busari cautioned, urging residents not to drive or walk through floodwaters. She also advised people in flood-prone areas to stay alert and be prepared to evacuate to higher ground if instructed by authorities.
The Oyo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources working in close coordination with SEMA to monitor the weather developments.
The alert was formally endorsed by Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, who called on the media and community leaders to help disseminate the warning widely to prevent avoidable disasters.
Newspot Nigeria will continue to monitor this developing story and provide real-time updates to residents across Oyo State.
FULL STATEMENT:
Press Release
SEMA Issues Flood Alert for Three LGAs, Warns Residents
The Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYOSEMA) has issued a flash flood alert for residents of Ibadan, particularly those living in Akinyele, Egbeda, and Oluyole Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The agency is urging residents in these areas to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of potential flooding.
In a statement released on Friday afternoon, SEMA’s Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Ojuolape Busari, said the Flood Early Warning System’s latest weather forecast indicates heavy rainfall is expected in the affected LGAs.
Mrs. Busari, who noted that the agency works hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, advised that some areas could receive over 100mm (about 4 inches) of rain in the next 24 hours.
Mrs. Busari highlighted that the heaviest rainfall is expected North-East of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the airport.
Her words, “The advice has become imperative to activate the concerned Local Government Authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate the risk of flooding and avoid loss of lives, displacement, and significant damage to property and infrastructure.”
She added that areas around IITA (Akinyele), the airport (Egbeda), and the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN, Oluyole) will experience significant rainfall.
She warned residents that flash floods could affect streets, with low-lying areas flooding rapidly.
Mrs. Busari also added that roads may become difficult or impossible to use, stressing that heavy rain will make driving hazardous.
She advised residents to avoid driving or walking through floodwaters.
“Turn around, don’t drown,” she said.
Busari added, “If you live in a flood-prone area, be prepared to move to higher ground if instructed.”
E-signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information and Orientation,
Oyo State.
July 4, 2025
