Abuja: The House of Representatives has made a call for the Federal Government’s immediate intervention following a severe flood and erosion incident that has affected communities in the Ile-Oluji, Okeigbo, and Odigbo Federal Constituency of Ondo. The disaster has displaced numerous residents and caused significant damage to homes, farmlands, and infrastructure.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the resolution was reached after a motion of urgent national importance, sponsored by Rep. Festus Adefiranye, was adopted during a House plenary. Adefiranye, representing Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo and Odigbo Federal Constituency, described the devastating impact of torrential rainfall between July 8 and 12, which resulted in severe flooding across the communities.
The flood led to the destruction of residential buildings, roads, and drainage systems, significantly disrupting socio-economic activities and posing serious health and economic risks to the affected communities. Many residents were displaced, and farmers, traders, and small business owners experienced substantial losses as their crops, goods, and livelihoods were washed away.
In response to the disaster, Adefiranye emphasized the urgent need for federal government intervention to provide humanitarian assistance. He highlighted that despite previous flood warnings, the disaster’s magnitude necessitates immediate emergency measures and sustainable flood control to prevent future occurrences.
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to supply relief materials, temporary shelters, medical care, and rehabilitation programs to aid affected residents. Additionally, calls were made for the Federal Ministry of Works, Water Resources and Sanitation, and other agencies to construct and rehabilitate drainage systems and implement comprehensive flood control infrastructure.
Furthermore, the House requested the Federal Ministry of Environment to dredge the River Olore to improve its capacity and prevent future overflows during heavy rainfall, thereby reducing the risk of recurring floods.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen praised Adefiranye for highlighting the issue and referred the motion to several House Committees to ensure the resolutions are implemented and to report back for further legislative action.