By Halimah Olamide
The Senator representing Ogun East senatorial district Gbenga Daniel has called for urgent action against the ravaging flood in some parts of Ogun state and in Nigeria in general.
Raising a motion on the floor of the senate on Wednesday, Daniel cited instances of flood disasters where residents have been swept away and properties lost to the flood in Sagamu and other parts of the state.
Daniel was a Governor of Ogun state between 2003 to 2007.
“At plenary today, I raised a motion for an urgent federal government intervention in the recurring flood disasters in Sagamu and Ijebu Areas of Ogun East Senatorial district as well as in other communities across the country,” Daniel said via his twitter handle. The senator said his motion was backed by Senator Sadiq Umar (Kwara North) who he said joined by drawing attention to Edu and Patigi Areas of Kwara North Senatorial district. He said, “On Tuesday, 11th of April, 2023, a 14-year-old student of Agbele Community High School was swept away in Sagamu with many others injured and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.”
He commended the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) for doing well in forecasting such occurrences, adding however, “but these efforts do not amount to much if other relevant agencies of government fail to be proactive in averting them and providing speedy support when necessary.”
The lawmaker said the Senate acceded to his motion by directing relevant agencies and departments to act decisively.
“I will continue to follow up to ensure prompt compliance.” The senator’s motion is coming at a time that residents of flood prone areas such as Arepo, Akute, Ajuwon, Alagbole, Magboro are on high alert over impending flood disasters.