Flooding: Ogun tasks farmers on proper planting, harvesting

Ogun State Government has implored farmers along coastal areas and riverbanks to take advantage of the weather outlook for proper planting and harvesting of their farm produce.

This, the government said, would prevent damage to their crop and livestocks.

The Special Adviser to the governor on Environment, Ola Oresanya gave the advice following the prediction of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) that the two seasons of rainfall in 2022 would be between April and December.

The agencies had predicted that Ogun, being a coastal state, would experience prolonged rainfall, accompanied with flash flood in most part of the State, especially between June and July.

It was also envisaged that the later coastal flooding may be compounded with the release of water from Oyan dam, accompanied with high tide in the lagoon.

As a result, Oresanya, urged residents of the State to prepare for the likely impact of this year’s weather pattern.

He said “Farmers, especially along the coastal areas and riverbanks are implored to take advantage of the weather outlook and plan the planting and harvest properly to prevent damages to their crop and livestocks.

“Ogun State as an agrarian State, looks forward delightfully to the season of rainfall to support our investment in Agriculture, Afforestation and Climate Change Adaptation Programs.

“The need for effective collaboration with the Government to prevent devastation of improperly managed rainfall and consequences of flooding is therefore compelling.

“The season of rainfall is not a curse but a blessing. Please support the State government to keep our State free of flood.”