Kunle Adelabu
The Executive Chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun after a tour he embarked on and on-site inspection of flood-affected communities across Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA has identified root causes in nine areas, with firm commitment towards addressing drainage failures to prevent reoccurrence.
He embarked on the tour on during the week with members of his cabinet and in company of senior staff of the Hi-Tech Construction Company, including Mr. Dandre Gabar, the Project Manager.
During the tour, Omoba Aroyewun and the team visited Olorunfunmi Basorun Crescent to the back of Zumratul Islamiyyah Grammar School, Igbogbo; Ayegbami (Olubushe) Area, Igbogbo; Adebola Faniyi Street Area, Igbogbo; Oba Molaja Road (Awotunde Lane & Club 24 Area, Igbogbo); Meri Road Area, Igbogbo; Moshood Hassan Street Area, Igbogbo; Orija Jogun Street Area, Igbogbo; Victory Close Area, Igbogbo and Afa Section, Igbe Laara Area.
At the Olorunfunmi Basorun Crescent which links the Back of Zumratul Islamiyyah Grammar School, Igbogbo the on the spot assessment by Chairman Aroyewun and his team gave them the opportunity to witness the extent of the eroded road shoulders, blocked drainage channels, accumulated refuse, and standing water across the corridor.
According to the council, the direct health and mobility risks were established particularly with respect to the flooding zone in close proximity to UAMC Primary School and Zumratul Islamiyyah Grammar School.
There was immediate intervention by the Hi-Tech Construction Company with commitment to continuing rehabilitation works for sustained water channelisation along the corridor. The intervention, which is described as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between the council and the construction company, was established to resolve most of this flooding challenges within the council.
Upon visit to Ayegbami (Olubushe) Area, also in Igbogbo, it was discovered that there was poor drainage flow and inadequate channelisation infrastructure.
After assessing the drainage conditions, the council identitied solutions for improved channelisation and follow-up intervention.
The inspection led by Chairman Aroyewun at Adebola Faniyi Street Area, Igbogbo, observed the extent of damage arising from blocked drainage and refuse accumulation.
In this area, channelisation improvements have been identified to address the recurring flooding with HiTech Construction Company agreeing to intervene for necessary actions.
At Oba Molaja Ogunlewe Road (Awotunde Lane & Club 24 Area, Igbogbo), it was observed that the flooding was worsened by the absence of covered drainage along the Awotunde Lane section. Chairman Aroyewun requested that Hi-Tech Construction cover the drainage along Oba Molaja Ogunlewe Road (Awotunde Lane) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandate. The company accepted the request and has committed to taking immediate actions as demanded.
The existing flood -control infrastructure at Meri Road Area, Igbogbo, was observed to be non -existent and the area requires phased construction intervention. Works are already ongoing and expected to accelerate significantly during periods of reduced rainfall.
Deficiency of drainage channels was identified as causing localised flooding at Moshood Hassan Street Area, Igbogbo. This site was flagged by the council for immediate drainage intervention under the LCDA’s broader flooding response programme.
At Orija Jogun Street Area, Igbogbo, it was observed first hand that the flooding experienced in the area was due to poor water channelisation. The conditions of the drainage system were evaluated and solutions identified for implementation under the council’s flooding response programme.
In addition, the council team at Victory Close Area, Igbogbo also identified flooding in the area was linked to poor drainage flow, with the channelisation needs documented for prompt follow-up.
The team’s final tour was at the Afa Section of Igbe Laara area, where water channelisation works were ongoing at the time of inspection. Excavation at this section is nearing completion and is expected to reduce flooding across the surrounding area upon completion.
This council-wide on-the-spot inspection and provision of targeted intervention reflect the Aroyewun administration’s commitment to direct, results-driven governance, combining practical governance, leadership, private-sector engagement, and structured follow-up to deliver lasting flood control interventions to affected parts of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA.
