In a determined move to mitigate the impact of flooding and enhance infrastructural development across Oyo State, the state government has commenced the dredging of 11 rivers identified as flood-prone, particularly ahead of the ongoing rainy season. This proactive measure follows predictions by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), both of which listed Oyo among several states expected to experience significant flooding this year.
The disclosure was made in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, following the State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday at the Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan. According to the Commissioner, the Council’s approval for the dredging targets critical water channels across multiple locations including Ibadan, Oyo, Iseyin, Igbo Ora, Ogbomoso, and other vulnerable communities within the state.
The Ministry of Environment has also been mandated to strengthen refuse management by acquiring additional compactor trucks aimed at improving waste collection and curbing indiscriminate dumping, which has been linked to blocked drainage and flood risks.
Furthermore, the state government has taken steps to enhance emergency response capacity by approving the purchase of specialized firefighting and rescue equipment for the Oyo State Fire Service Agency. The move is expected to improve operational efficiency and safeguard firefighters from occupational hazards during rescue missions. The combined cost of the dredging project, waste management enhancement, and firefighting equipment has been pegged at N690 million.
In addition to the environmental and safety-focused projects, the Council also approved infrastructure-related upgrades across different sectors. This includes the procurement and installation of a power transformer and generator for the Omololu Olunloyo Monumental Park, as well as an energy storage system for the ongoing dualisation of the Ladoke Akintola Airport Road. These upgrades are integral to the rebranding of the airport and its environs in line with international standards. The associated cost for this segment of the project is estimated at N224.78 million.
Prince Oyelade also confirmed that the Council approved the installation of public lighting along the first phase of the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road. The 110-kilometre expressway is being positioned as a strategic bypass to ease traffic congestion in Ibadan metropolis, offering alternative access routes for commuters and goods in transit. The lighting project, which is designed to promote road safety and stimulate night-time economic activity, is expected to cost N15.1 billion.
In further efforts to improve urban mobility and residents’ quality of life, the Council approved the rehabilitation of several community roads, including those within Bolajoko Estate, General Gas, Bishop’s Court Road, Jejelaye, Peace Roads, and the Anifalaje area. The total sum approved for these roadworks stands at N1.9 billion.
The Oyo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to delivering sustainable infrastructure and environmental resilience through targeted investments aimed at protecting lives, enhancing livelihoods, and attracting economic growth.
