By Ademola Orunbon
The Ogun State Government says it is ready to tackle the perennial flooding at Makobi-Oba and its environs in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area through technical support from practitioners who can advise it appropriately.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi revealed this at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, when he received the management of Mountain Top University on behalf of the Governor, saying government was willing to synergise with residents of the area including the management of the University, to suggest ways that the flooding recurrence could be nipped in the bud.
According to Talabi, “government officials have been to the community to assess the situation and they have come up with recommendations. We have observed that the solution to the problem does not end with the dredging of the river channels or enforcing regulations against illegal structures and obstructions, but requires in-depth and ingenious ideas, to solve the problem once and for all”.
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Talabi, in a statement signed by his Press Officer, Mr. Odunayo Ogunleye, emphasised the need to sit together with the representatives of the institution and the community for mutual understanding on decisions that would be reached.
In his words, “having seen the magnitude of the challenges from what you have presented here today, I am convinced, as a government, we will collaborate with you to solve the problem. Myself, the Commissioners for Physical Planning and Urban Development, as well as Environment to brainstorm with professionals in your school so that you will be part of what we arrive at”.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Elijah Ayolabi, shared video evidence of the flooded areas at the permanent site of the institution, saying it usually arises when there was an overflow of water from the Ogun River, commending the government for its intervention so far.
