18/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE
HON. MAURICE OLA ORIPENAYE ARAH LEADS NEMA AND ODSEMA ON INSPECTION OF FLOOD-AFFECTED AREAS IN ILAJE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Igbokoda, Ondo State
17th July, 2026
Following the devastating flooding that recently affected Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government, the Executive Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Hon. Maurice Ola Oripenaye ARAH, on Friday led officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA) on an extensive inspection tour of the flood-ravaged communities.
The inspection was aimed at assessing the extent of the damage, identifying the most affected areas, and gathering firsthand information that will facilitate prompt intervention and relief for victims.
The emergency response team was led by Mr. Richard Aina, Secretary of ODSEMA, and Mr. Ayodeji Aina, alongside officials from both emergency management agencies. They were accompanied by the Executive Chairman and members of the Ilaje Local Government management team.
During the inspection, heartbreaking scenes were witnessed across several communities. Many landlords and tenants were seen evacuating their homes as floodwater had completely submerged residential buildings. Several families had already abandoned their houses, while others who had nowhere else to go remained stranded around their flooded premises.
The flood destroyed numerous household properties, leaving victims counting heavy losses as furniture, electronics, clothing, food items, and other valuables floated in water.
Among the major locations visited were:
- The Local Government Secretariat, where a Redeemed Christian Church of God building was submerged by floodwater.
- The road linking Ikuomola Street to the Secretariat, which became completely impassable due to flooding.
- Ikuomola Street and Ilara Street, both severely affected.
- Kajola Street, particularly around ACADA Church, where floodwater inundated homes and roads.
- Omonira Street, where Igbokoda Grammar School, one of the major government secondary schools in the area, was heavily flooded.
- Residential buildings, including the home of Mr. Oyetomi John and several others, where water entered every part of the buildings, leaving household belongings floating and causing significant damage.
Speaking during the inspection, Hon. Maurice Ola Oripenaye ARAH assured residents that the findings of the assessment would be communicated to the appropriate state and federal authorities to facilitate urgent intervention. He sympathized with affected families and reaffirmed the commitment of the Ilaje Local Government administration to working closely with NEMA, ODSEMA, and other relevant agencies to provide necessary assistance.
Other members of the inspection team included the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Segun Odolo; the Vice Chairman, Hon. Esejuwon Oluwarantimi; the Director General of Special Assignments, Mr. Vincent; councillors, supervisors, the Chairman's aides, and other government officials.
Recommendations and Way Forward
To reduce the impact of future flooding, the following measures are recommended:
- Temporary relocation of displaced residents to safe shelters until floodwaters recede.
- Prompt clearing and desilting of blocked drainage channels and waterways.
- Continuous environmental sanitation to prevent indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains.
- Construction and rehabilitation of effective drainage systems in flood-prone communities.
- Public awareness campaigns on flood preparedness and early evacuation procedures.
- Collaboration among the Federal Government, Ondo State Government, NEMA, ODSEMA, and relevant stakeholders to provide lasting flood control infrastructure.
- Long-term urban planning, including improved drainage networks and flood mitigation projects, to safeguard lives and property.
The Executive Chairman called on residents to remain calm, cooperate with emergency officials, heed safety advisories, and relocate from highly vulnerable areas where necessary. He also appealed to government agencies, humanitarian organizations, corporate bodies, and well-meaning Nigerians to support affected families during this difficult period.
HON. PRINCE HENRY ABAYOMI OKORISA
Reporting from the Office of the Executive Chairman, Ilaje Local Government.
17th July, 2026.
