The Lagos State Government has called on residents and property owners along the Ogun River banks to relocate to higher grounds in anticipation of water releases from the Oyan Dam.

The announcement follows the commencement of staggered water releases by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, aimed at maintaining the integrity of the dam and managing potential flood risks.

The update was contained in a statement by Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, on Thursday.

Wahab noted that the release of water is informed by real-time hydrological data, as well as rainfall forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and flood outlooks from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

“During a Press Briefing at the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources earlier today, the Lagos State Government has alerted residents and property owners at the Ogun River Banks to be ready to relocate to higher grounds as the authorities of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authorities commences staggered release of water from Oyan Dam.

“Lagosians needed to be alerted on the commencement of release of water to maintain the sanctity of the dam and it’s socio-economic implications for Lagos State.

“It is crucial to understand that the dam’s annual operations are informed by real-time hydrological data, rainfall predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and flood outlooks from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA),” the statement read in part.

These coordinated efforts between the various agencies, he noted, ensure that the dam operates safely, balancing flood control with maintaining the dam’s structural integrity.

The Lagos State Government acknowledged that affected areas include communities such as Kara, Mile 12, Agiliti, Ikosi Ketu, Owode, Ajegunle, and Odo-Ogun.

However, Wahab stressed that flooding in these areas is not solely caused by the Oyan Dam releases but also by contributions from over 52 tributaries that converge along the Ogun River.

Combined with runoff from heavy rainfall, these tributaries exacerbate the flood risks in the affected regions.

The statement further disclosed that the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority has initiated dredging operations along the Ogun River’s downstream sections, spanning the Ikorodu to Isheri axis. The dredging aims to deepen the river channel, increasing its capacity to handle water flow and reduce the likelihood of flooding during periods of high inflow.

Wahab reassured the public that the state government is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with relevant agencies and communities.

He emphasized that humanitarian concerns, especially for vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, remain a priority.

The Commissioner urged residents to support government efforts by keeping drains clear and refraining from dumping waste into drainage channels, which can obstruct water flow.

Oluwatoyin Atanda, the senior special assistant on establishments and training to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has been elected as president of the Junior Chamber International (JCI).

JCI is a non-government youth organisation (NGO) that provides leadership opportunities to young people to create positive changes in their communities.

The NGO has members in over 100 countries and regional and national bodies.

Atanda was elected as the 54th president of JCI Nigeria on October 14. She will succeed Sandra Efemuaye, the outgoing president.

Atanda’s tenure will pilot the affairs of the organisation for the year 2025.

Speaking on her plan for the organisation, Atanda said she will guide JCI Nigeria into a new era of growth and impact driven by the theme “ELV8”.

She said the leadership under her watch will be committed to inspiring transformational change by mobilising Nigerian youths and fostering community development.

“I am honoured to lead JCI Nigeria at such a pivotal time. Our journey ahead is about ELV8ing our members, our organisation, and our nation,” she said.

“Together, we will work towards a future that embodies innovation, inclusiveness, and sustainable progress.”

She said one of her agenda is to revitalise the JCI Nigeria training institute to offer world-class leadership development and professional training.

“By strengthening initiatives like the ten outstanding young persons (TOYP) programme and increasing partnerships with the private sector, I intend to boost member engagement and deliver lasting impact across all JCI platforms,” she said.

A bill seeking to create a new state in the south-south geopolitical zone has passed second reading in the house of representatives.

The proposed legislation, which is co-sponsored by Godwin Offiono from Cross River, and three other lawmakers — scaled second reading during plenary on Thursday.

The lawmakers are proposing to alter the 1999 constitution to create Ogoja state from Cross River.

The bill was voted for when it was put to a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house.

The presiding officer referred the bill to the committee on constitutional review.

This adds to the plethora of bills seeking to create new states in the country.

LEGISLATIVE HURDLE

The national assembly is currently amending the 1999 Constitution.

In January, Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives, said the amendment would be completed in December 2025.

Amending the constitution to create a new state or adjust boundaries is an arduous task.

Section 8(1) of the constitution stipulates that a new state can only be created if it is supported by “at least two-thirds majority of members (representing the area demanding the creation of the new state) in each of the following, namely — “(i) the Senate and the House of Representatives. (ii) the House of Assembly in respect of the area”.

“(iii) And the local government councils in respect of the area is received by the National Assembly; (b) a proposal for the creation of the State is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the area where the demand for the creation of the state originated.

“(c) The result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of all the states of the Federation, supported by a simple majority of members of the Houses of Assembly.

“(d) The proposal is approved by a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of members of each House of the National Assembly.”

No state has been created since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.