Nigeria’s Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has offered strong assurances that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to finding a lasting solution to the recurring issue of flooding in Isheri, Agboyi, and other communities straddling the border between Lagos and Ogun States.
Dr. Edu’s commitment came during her visit to Isheri and Agboyi Ketu, two communities severely affected by the recent flooding that has afflicted both states. The floodwaters have directly impacted around 33,000 people in Isheri, spanning Ogun and Lagos.
The Minister unveiled plans for the construction of buffer dams, overseen by relevant Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, to divert excess water from the Oyan Overflow River, aligning with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In Isheri, the local monarch and village leaders welcomed Dr. Edu warmly as she assured them of continued engagement and intervention until a permanent solution was found. She conveyed a message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who expressed deep concern and directed her to provide immediate relief materials for the affected families while also initiating decisive measures to rehabilitate businesses affected by the floods.
Dr. Edu distributed both food and non-food relief materials to the traditional leaders and representatives from the governments of Ogun and Lagos, urging the flood victims to be patient as the Federal Government collaborates with the state authorities to address the perennial flooding issue permanently.
At Agboyi Ketu in Lagos, the Minister, alongside Hon. Kafila Ogbara, the House of Representatives member representing Kosofe Federal constituency, inspected the flood-affected areas. Dr. Edu, donned in a reflective jacket, navigated the affected zones using a canoe, which included Agboyi-Ketu, Owode Onirin, Isheri, Ajegunle, Agiliti, Kara, Majidun, all within Kosofe local government area and Agboyi Ketu Local Council Development Area.
She assured the victims of immediate humanitarian response and emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting those who suffered business losses due to the floods. President Tinubu’s administration has launched numerous social intervention programs, including Conditional Cash Transfers, Traders Monies, and the End Hunger Program, aimed at addressing humanitarian and poverty challenges among vulnerable Nigerians.
Dr. Edu conveyed the purpose of her visit, stating, “We are here to assess the extent of the damage caused by the recent flooding in Agboyi-Ketu, Owode Onirin, Isheri, Ajegunle, Agiliti, Kara, Majidun, all in Kosofe and Ketu Agboyi local council areas and to also present food and non-food items as a form of humanitarian assistance and response. It is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”
She assured the affected communities that discussions were ongoing regarding the construction of buffer dams to address the challenge of flooding, and her return visit would involve commissioning projects designed to permanently end this recurring problem.
