By Gift Awokunle
In the past month, Ondo State, Nigeria, has experienced severe flooding in different areas due to heavy rainfall. According to reports from residents, it has been the norm during heavy rainfall for five consecutive years.
On the 29th of July 2026, Ondo City experienced overwhelming flooding beyond the usual. After hours of abundant rainfall, main roads and various houses were flooded, leaving residents stranded.
From a social media post on the 2nd of August 2026 by Akinbulejo Pius, the user stated that the recent flooding in Igbokoda displaced many.
The situation has also resulted in the release of irritating and unpleasant odour in Akure and other nearby locations. Reports from residents say the smell is often perceived at night and is a result of spillage from overflowing toilets and soakaways.
According to reports by Ondo South TV, flooding has become a serious concern in the Ondo South Senatorial District of Ondo State, with heavy downpours and coastal tides in towns like Odigbi, Irele, Ese-Odo, Ilaje and Okitipupa yearly.
The flood is said to have also destroyed farmlands, schools, houses and roads and has also affected various business operations in the flood-affected locations.
In response to the growing climate crisis and the increasing risk of flooding, the Ondo State Government, through the Ministry of Infrastructure, has commenced the clearing and desilting of waterways to improve drainage and reduce the impact of flooding on vulnerable communities. The intervention is being carried out in Holy Trinity, Ondo East Local Government Area, where waterways are being cleared to facilitate the free flow of water and prevent flooding.
Meanwhile, in a social media post published on August 7, 2026, Oripenaye Blessing, a concerned youth from Ondo State, wrote an open letter to the Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Tob Loko, calling for a clear and comprehensive action plan to address the recurring flooding in the state. Blessing urged the Commissioner to prioritise practical and sustainable solutions to the flooding, noting that addressing environmental challenges falls within the core responsibilities of the ministry.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the executive governor of Ondo State had also recently commissioned the OSOPADEC’s (Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission) 1km Walkway as he flagged off additional 3km concrete walkway and inaugurated water scheme in Obe-Nla, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
He made mention of the ongoing infrastructure projects across Ondo state including the 28.5 kilometre Aboto-Atije road, the 2 million-gallon per day water sedimentation tank at Aboto, 8.5km dual carriage way from College road to Okitipupa junction via Irewole Roundabout, the Igbokoda-Okitipupa Dual Carriage way, and the Molutehin Mini Water Scheme to address climate challenge.
He has also announced plans to host the OSOPADEC International Conference on Climate Change in Abuja from March 15 to 17, 2027. The conference is expected to bring together investors, researchers, government representatives and development partners to explore practical and sustainable solutions to the environmental challenges confronting coastal communities in the state.
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