The Chairman of the Ekiti State Environmental Protection and Watershed Management Agency, Hon. Bamitale Oguntoyinbo, has cautioned residents in the state to stop erecting buildings in flood-prone areas due to dangers it poses to lives and property.
Hon. Oguntoyinbo gave the warning while leading other board members and journalists on an inspection tour of the ongoing dredging projects at Inisa, Amutu, Oke Ose, and Mayan rivers in Otun-Ekiti, the headquarters of Moba Local Government Area.
The initiative, which extends to other parts of the state facing similar flooding challenges, involves the excavation of rivers and streams to restore ecological balance and protect residents from flood disasters.
Oguntoyinbo, a former Chairman of Oye Local Government Area, emphasized that urgent action is needed to prevent loss of lives and property. He noted that the General Manager of the agency had briefed the board on the situation, providing them with vital insights for strategic decision-making.
According to him, “We resumed office in October 2024 as board members, and it is necessary for us to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of ongoing projects in the agency. This will enable us to support Mr. Governor in his commitment to delivering good governance to the people of Ekiti State.”
After evaluating the dredging work, Oguntoyinbo noted that the board had provided recommendations for further improvements. He stressed the need for residents to avoid building in flood-prone areas and to dispose their waste properly to prevent blockages in drainage systems and waterways.
He commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his responsiveness to environmental challenges and his commitment to improving the welfare of Ekiti residents.
The General Manager of the Ekiti State Environmental Protection and Watershed Management Agency (EKSEPWAMA), Mr. Olukayode Adunmo, stated that the inspection tour was designed to give board members firsthand insight into the agency’s ongoing projects.
“I have presented reports to them in the boardroom, but it is important for them to see the work physically to fully understand the agency’s mandate and the challenges we are tackling,” Adunmo explained.
He emphasized that the primary goal of the project is to prevent flooding in Ekiti communities, ensuring that lives and property are safeguarded. He also appreciated Governor Oyebanji for providing the necessary funds to drive the initiative to completion.
On his part, the Special Adviser on Special Services, Prince Adewole Ajakaye, who also oversees Independent Project Monitoring in the Governor’s Office, highlighted the importance of strict compliance with project specifications.
“As part of our weekly activities, we must inspect the Inisa River dredging project to ensure that it aligns with the approved contract specifications,” Ajakaye stated.
While confirming that the project was progressing as scheduled, he noted that a slight extension might be required due to an unexpected mechanical fault in the swamp buggy excavator working on the site. However, he expressed satisfaction with the level of progress so far.
Residents of the area also expressed their appreciation for the government’s intervention.
Mr. Ibitoye Michael Idowu, popularly known as Baba Soldier, described the project as a welcome development, stating that it would ensure free water flow, mitigate flooding risks, and create more usable land for residents.
Similarly, Mr. Joseph Omotoso, also known as Olorunlagba, whose house is near the river, expressed excitement about the project, noting that flooding had been a major challenge during the rainy season.
Both residents commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his commitment to the welfare of the people of Ekiti State.