…….Warns Residents Against Dumping Refuse.
By Emmanuel ClementÂ
Oto Awori,Lagos–In a decisive move to protect residents from the devastating impact of flooding during the rainy season, the Executive Chairman of Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Kareem Azeez Abiodun, has declared an all-out war against flood hazards by ordering the immediate desilting and clearing of drainages across 11 communities within the council.
The sweeping intervention, announced on Tuesday, is aimed at ensuring the free flow of stormwater, preventing avoidable flooding and safeguarding lives, homes and public infrastructure across the LCDA.
The affected communities include Farotimi, Ilogbo-Fobri, Abule, Shibiri, Iyana, Cele, Sound Foundation, the frontage of L.A. Primary School, Ilogbo-Elegba, Abule Junction and Tope Itire, where environmental teams have been directed to commence intensive drainage clearing operations without delay.
Hon. Abiodun said the initiative reflects his administration’s determination to tackle environmental challenges before they escalate into disasters, stressing that flood prevention remains a top priority under his people-centred leadership.
He urged residents, community development associations, market leaders and other stakeholders in the affected areas to cooperate fully with council officials and environmental officers, noting that collective responsibility is essential to achieving a cleaner, safer and flood-free environment.
The Chairman further directed the Department of Environment and all relevant agencies to work round the clock to clear blocked drainages, remove accumulated silt and evacuate waste promptly to ensure the exercise is completed within the shortest possible time.
Hon. Abiodun also issued a stern warning against indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels, describing the practice as one of the leading causes of flooding in many communities.
He called on residents to embrace proper waste disposal habits and protect public drainage infrastructure for the benefit of all.
According to him, keeping drainage channels free from obstruction is not only the responsibility of government but also a civic duty that requires the active participation of every resident.
Reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to environmental sanitation, public health and sustainable infrastructure maintenance, the Chairman said the ongoing exercise is in line with the Lagos State Government’s THEMES+ Agenda and forms part of broader efforts to build a cleaner, healthier and more resilient Oto-Awori LCDA.
He assured residents that the council would continue to implement proactive environmental measures aimed at reducing flood risks, improving public safety and enhancing the overall quality of life across all communities in the LCDA.