In a proactive move to address the perennial issue of flooding, kakalistiq.com reports that Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, Chairman of Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area, convened a crucial stakeholders’ meeting during the week. The meeting, held with a diverse group of residents including traditional rulers, CDA members, and market leaders, focused on strategies to enhance water channelization and prevent future flood occurrences.
A day prior, Hon. Olowa had compiled a comprehensive list of flood-affected communities in Ibeju-Lekki, which included areas such as Oke Odo Elermoro, Kajola, Oribanwa, Gbetu-Iwerekun, Mayfair Garden, Adeba, Abule Parapo, and others.
Welcoming the attendees, Hon. Olowa expressed his concern over recent flooding incidents that disrupted activities across Ibeju-Lekki and the entire state. He highlighted that the government’s master drainage plan has been compromised by human activities encroaching on canal pathways, causing water to spill into residential areas.
“The government has a laid-down master plan drainage, which serves as a primary collection source of water. However, human activities have encroached on the canal ways, causing spillover effects to households,” Olowa stated.
He urged residents to partner with the Local Government by opening gutter channels in their communities, subject to approval. This, he noted, would be a contributory effort towards community development. “We need a partnership between individuals and the Local Government to open up gutter channels in their communities. This will be noted as a contributory effort towards community development,” he added.
Addressing the issue of illegal shops at the Military quarters in Eleko, Hon. Olowa criticized the unauthorized structures blocking construction efforts by Craneburg Construction Company. He emphasized that these illegal occupants were hindering progress and contributing to flooding. “Such illegal occupants are factors inhibiting the rate of progress and contributing to flooding,” he remarked.
Hon. Mojeed Oluwafemi Olayinka, Leader of the Legislative Council, called for maximum cooperation from all stakeholders. He stressed that flooding is a communal issue and urged compliance with government directives on setbacks. “Flooding affects us all. Please ensure compliance with the government’s directive on setbacks,” he pleaded.
Chief Tayo Musari, Lukosi of Ibeju Kingdom, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that many issues were self-inflicted due to illegal buildings and a nonchalant attitude towards environmental management. He called for the relocation of some state agencies to Ibeju Lekki for better monitoring. “We need the State Government to relocate some of its agencies here for proper monitoring,” Musari suggested.
During the meeting, residents shared their experiences and suggestions. Hon. Olowa assured them of his administration’s commitment to creating a sustainable and habitable environment. “We will not relent in pursuing a sustainable environment habitable for all,” he promised.
On Saturday, demonstrating his commitment to action, the Chairman was on the ground to personally oversee the canal cleanup at Kajola Phase 1. This initiative is part of a broader government effort to clear major canals, including Gbetu-Iwerekun, Shapati, Igbojia, Igando-Baba Adisa, Ogunfayo, Onisan, Labora, and Abule Oluwa, over the next few days. The aim is to mitigate the risk of flooding due to heavy rainfall.
In response to recent claims on social media about Ibeju-Lekki being submerged by flood, Hon. Olowa firmly debunked the rumours. “There is no evidence of any part of the local government being submerged by flood. We condemn this fake news in strong terms,” he stated.
Hon. Olowa reiterated his administration’s dedication to environmental sustainability, a key agenda since taking office in July 2021. “Our administration is committed to achieving a sustainable and habitable environment for residents,” he affirmed, highlighting ongoing efforts in collaboration with relevant state agencies to manage environmental challenges and improve infrastructure.
