The Ogun State government has cancelled all arrangements lined up for the celebration of Nigeria’s independence anniversary celebration on October 1.
A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, said the development followed the directive of the federal government that this year’s Independence Day Celebration should be low-key.
He said the decision by the federal government was to reflect the mood of the nation.
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He enjoined citizens of the state to spend the time solemnly praying for the country.
Meanwhile, Property owners and residents of Area 8, OPIC Estate, Agbara, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State are currently counting the losses they suffered due to flooding.
People of the area said the unending rainfall of the past few days have exposed them to flooding.
According to them, some properties have been submerged by water, leaving many with no other option than to relocate to a safe place.
In a letter to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the victims described their situation as an ‘impending disaster’.
The letter, which was co-signed by the Estate Chairman, Adebowale Odunayo, and the Assistant Secretary, Iziokhai Ohioze, called the attention of government to “the ravaging effect of incessant flooding that our community has been experiencing over time.”
According to them, the incident has been “formally reported to OPIC Management on several occasions but each visit ended with promises, which remain unfulfilled, leaving residents to the vagaries of nature.”
They alerted that, over the past few years, the frequency and intensity of flooding in Area 8, have increased substantially.
The non-existence of drainage systems, they stated, worsened the situation during downpours, “resulting in water entering our homes and causing damage to the foundations, walls, and interiors of our buildings.”
This, according to them, “does not only lead to financial losses for us as property owners but also compromises the structural integrity of our homes, as well as results in psychological nightmare once there is an impending rain.”
While conceding that flooding is a natural occurrence, the people opined that, with a well compacted road network and proper channelization, it can be minimized.
