In a bold move to mitigate the impact of seasonal flooding and recurrent fire outbreaks, the Oyo State Government has approved the release of ₦690 million for proactive environmental and emergency response initiatives across the state.
The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, made the announcement while briefing journalists on the outcomes of the State Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday.
According to Oyelade, the council’s resolution followed recent forecasts by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET), which identified Oyo as one of the states likely to experience significant flooding during the 2025 rainy season.
“To protect lives and property, the council approved the immediate dredging of 11 rivers located in flood-prone communities across the state, including Iseyin, Oyo, Ibadan, Igbo Ora, and Ogbomoso,” he said.
In addition to flood control efforts, the state government is taking steps to strengthen its fire emergency response. Following a series of market fires, including the recent incident at Aleshinloye Market in Ibadan, the Council approved the procurement of auxiliary and specialized fire-fighting equipment for the Oyo State Fire Service Agency. This equipment is aimed at enhancing rescue operations and ensuring the safety of fire service personnel during emergencies.
The commissioner also revealed that the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources received approval to procure new compactor trucks to boost waste management and enhance refuse collection efficiency throughout the state’s urban areas.
“These interventions reaffirm the Makinde administration’s commitment to safeguarding residents against environmental disasters and improving the state’s overall emergency response capabilities,” Oyelade added.
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