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President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Rena Wakama, coach of Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following her recognition as the best coach of women’s basketball at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The D’Tigress made history at the Games by becoming the first African basketball team to reach the quarter-finals of an Olympic tournament. This
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The Managing Director of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Dr Deji Ashiru, has cautioned residents of Isheri in the Ifo Local Government Area to stop blaming the Oyan Dam for their plight, and rather appreciate its efforts in controlling the influx of water. Ashiru stated that without the dam, Isheri and some Abeokuta communities
Don’t blame Oyan Dam for flood – River Basin boss cautions
The Managing Director of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Dr Deji Ashiru, has cautioned residents of Isheri in the Ifo Local Government Area to stop blaming the Oyan Dam for their plight, and rather appreciate its efforts in controlling the influx of water.
Ashiru stated that without the dam, Isheri and some Abeokuta communities would not exist due to the high risk of flooding.
DAILY POST reports that the flood had sacked residents of Isheri, Arepo, Lafenwa, Warewa, and other adjoining areas along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway from their homes.
Commissioner for Environment Ola Oresanya had urged residents of areas affected by the recent release of water from Oyan Dam to relocate to higher ground.
Meanwhile, Ashiru, on Tuesday, during an engagement with community residents of Isheri, blamed the flooding on the presence of 52 ungated tributaries feeding into the downstream section of Ogun River, causing water levels to rise.
He clarified that the Oyan and Ogun rivers are transboundary, flowing from Port Novo in the Benin Republic and that rising water levels are frequently caused by rainfall in Port Novo rather than water flowing from the Oyan dam.
Ashiru stated that to control the water rush into Oyan Dam and avoid its collapse, the agency has been releasing approximately 17.4 million cubic meters of water every day for the last two months.
He said: “The reality is that without Oyan Dam, Isheri, situated on a flood plain, and parts of Abeokuta would have been submerged.
“The people of Isheri should consider Oyan Dam a blessing rather than criticising it. Without the dam managing the flow, Isheri and some Abeokuta communities would be at high risk.
” Oyan Dam was built to control flooding and erosion. I have repeatedly explained that the 52 ungated tributaries downstream of Oyan Dam are the major cause of the flooding we’re experiencing in Isheri.
“Now, the saving grace they have in Isheri is Oyan Dam because that’s the only dam that is gated and controls the water flow upstream. Both Oyan and Ogun Rivers are transboundary, entering Nigeria from Port Novo. Even without rainfall in Nigeria, heavy rain in Port Novo increases water levels.
“The dam controls this influx, unlike the 52 tributaries flowing freely downstream. Without Oyan Dam, Isheri might not exist as it does today, as the dam manages the upstream erosion and flooding.”
Ashiru proposed that to adequately manage the flooding issue, smaller dams might be needed to capture water from these tributaries.
The MD reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government, stressing that he had just received a letter from the Senate asking for a solution. He added that the Federal Government will start dredging the Ogun River next week as a temporary solution to expand its capacity to handle rising water levels.
Emmanuel Oluwayemi, a resident of the flooded area, responded by saying that the government should expect legal actions for failing to provide a conducive environment if the problem is not addressed.
Oluwayemi noted that after the flood subsided last year, he spent up to N8 million renovating his house, which he bought from the government.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has met with his former boss, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo. Atiku met with Obasanjo during the 25th-anniversary celebration of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation in Abuja. WOTCLEF was founded by his wife, Mrs Titi Abubakar. Disclosing this on Monday, the former vice
Atiku, Obasanjo meet in Abuja
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has met with his former boss, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Atiku met with Obasanjo during the 25th-anniversary celebration of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation in Abuja.
WOTCLEF was founded by his wife, Mrs Titi Abubakar.
Disclosing this on Monday, the former vice president expressed excitement about reuniting and walking alongside Obasanjo.
He described the meeting with Obasanjo as a profound privilege.
He also commended Obasanjo for his commitment and support for the foundation, which addresses human trafficking and child labour in the country.
Posting on X, Atiku wrote: “It’s a profound privilege to stride alongside our esteemed former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, into the vibrant celebration of WOTCLEF Foundation’s 25th Anniversary in Abuja.
“This moment is a testament to the unwavering support the Foundation has received from President Obasanjo. -AA”
Jubril Martins-Kuye Foundation, a foundation in honour of the late ex-Minister of State for Finance, Jubril Martins-Kuye, has given bursary awards of N5m to 21 undergraduate medical students of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State. The beneficiaries, who are indigenes of the Ijebu-North Local Government Area, constituted the maiden batch of the bursary scheme
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Jubril Martins-Kuye Foundation, a foundation in honour of the late ex-Minister of State for Finance, Jubril Martins-Kuye, has given bursary awards of N5m to 21 undergraduate medical students of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State. The beneficiaries, who are indigenes of the Ijebu-North Local Government Area, constituted the maiden batch of the bursary scheme