The Kwara State Government has called on residents to remain calm following recent heavy rainfall that has caused widespread flooding in several areas of the state.
Kamaldeen Aliagan, the press secretary for the Ministry of Environment, relayed a statement from the Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Musa-Buge, on Sunday in Ilorin, reassuring the public that the situation is temporary and will soon improve.
“The rainfall is a temporary situation that will soon change,” Musa-Buge stated, attributing the unusual weather patterns to the global effects of climate change. She highlighted that extreme weather conditions are being witnessed worldwide, including in Kwara State.
“Human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean, and land, and as a result, we are experiencing weather extremes. Our rainy and dry seasons no longer follow their usual transition months,” she explained.
Musa-Buge emphasized that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration is highly concerned about the flooding and has been implementing proactive measures to ensure public safety. These efforts include the dredging of the Asa River, along with other infrastructural improvements.
“Since the inception of the current administration, we have started constructing bridges and desilting drainages across the state,” Musa-Buge noted.
She added that the state has also increased the availability of waste bins, expanded dump sites for proper waste disposal, promoted waste recycling, and established irrigation systems for farmers.
To further address the environmental challenges, the Commissioner expressed the state’s commitment to regular advocacy and sensitization on environmental issues.
She also conveyed sympathy to families affected by the flooding, especially those who lost loved ones or properties during the crisis.
In response to the ongoing situation, Musa-Buge urged residents to adopt safety measures such as relocating to higher grounds, avoiding travel during rainfall, and following instructions from environmental agencies.
“We strongly advise residents to obtain necessary approvals before embarking on construction projects, especially in areas prone to flooding,” she said.
She also warned against building close to waterways, dumping refuse in watercourses, and open burning, while encouraging the desilting of surrounding drainages and tree planting as preventive measures.
“We call on individuals and non-governmental organizations to partner with the government in climate change adaptation efforts, advocating for sustainable practices to protect our environment and build resilience,” Musa-Buge concluded.
