By Fisayo Akinduro
Ondo State has attained a notable milestone in environmental management, with the government confirming that the state experienced no incidents of flooding this year a development described as unprecedented in its history.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical Matters, Mr Elisha Ebijimi, disclosed this in an interview with Weekend Hope while assessing ongoing dredging and channelisation projects across the state.
He attributed the success to the government’s proactive measures and sustained investment in flood control initiatives.
He said “For the past two weeks, our team has been working intensively across different local government areas.
“We have been tackling flood challenges since last year, and this year, the effort has continued. It is the first time in the history of Ondo State that we have not recorded flooding.”
Ebijimi revealed that the state’s remarkable performance had earned it national recognition, adding that Ondo would receive a performance award in Abuja on November 30.
“This award is coming as a result of the impact of our work on behalf of the state government. It’s a recognition of Ondo’s commitment to effective flood management,” he noted.
He listed the local government areas where dredging and channelisation projects have been executed to include Akure South, Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo, Akoko South-West, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, and Idanre, with ongoing works in Odigbo and Ilaje.
According to him, residents in the affected communities have expressed delight over the visible improvements in their environments.
Ebijimi, however, cautioned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains, describing it as one of the major causes of flooding.
“I want to appeal to the good people of Ondo State to stop illegal dumping of refuse around the state. It is harmful and counterproductive,” he warned.