"I am devastated", Adeleke sympathizes with Osun flood victims, orders emergency assessment

Iwo, Osun – The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has commiserated with residents of Iwo following the devastating flood that swept through the town on Friday after hours of heavy rainfall.

In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed on Monday, Governor Adeleke said he regretted the losses suffered by the victims and assured that his administration would not take chances in safeguarding lives and property.

"The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expressed his sympathy with the people of Iwo on the devastating flood that occurred on Friday due to hours of heavy rainfall, assuring the people of ongoing efforts to prevent future occurrence of the natural disaster."

"Governor Adeleke rues the huge personal losses suffered by residents as a result of the flooding incident, noting that his administration will be taking nothing to chance to safeguard lives and properties of the people."

He further disclosed that resources had been deployed to expand waterways in Iwo and its environs, while additional measures are being taken to prevent a repeat of the incident.

"I am devastated to learn about the monumental damage caused by flooding that occurred in Iwo on Friday following hours of heavy downpour. The scale of the losses suffered by our people as a result of the natural disaster is especially heavy and I can only imagine the toll on our people in Iwo," Governor Adeleke noted in the statement.

"I want to, on behalf of the State Government, convey heartfelt sympathy to everyone affected in one way or the other. As a government, we stand with the people of Iwo in this difficult moment, and assure them of our commitment to support them to overcome the challenges created by the incident."

The governor recalled that his administration had previously taken preventive steps, including dredging of Aiba waterways, to open up channels and ensure free flow of water.

"Before this incident, our government has taken flood prevention steps, which includes dredging of Aiba waterways among others to open up water channels and ensure the free-flow of water to avert flooding."

"Following the incident, the government has mobilised resources for the channelisation of more waterways to ensure that this awful incident does not happen again."

Governor Adeleke also ordered an immediate intervention by the Ministry of Environment.

"I have also directed the Commissioner of Environment to conduct on-the-spot assessment and come up with a lasting solution to flooding in Iwo and environs. The people of Iwo and indeed, Osun state can be rest assured that we are doing everything possible to tackle flooding in the state."

He appealed to residents to support government efforts by avoiding practices that worsen flooding.

"Governor Adeleke urged the people of Iwo and Osun people to support government efforts to prevent flooding by stopping the indiscriminate dumping of refuse on water channels."

According to media reports, the rainfall and areas mostly affected by the flood, according to the residents, include Yafoye, Oke-Afo, and Agoro road in Iwo.