The Office of the Director-General and Special Envoy of the Governor of Osun State on Climate Change and Renewable Energy extends its heartfelt sympathies to all residents, business owners, and institutions affected by the rainstorm that occurred in Osogbo and surrounding areas.
In a statement issued on Sunday, signed by Professor Chinwe ObuakuDirector-General & Special Envoy of the Governor on Climate Change and Renewable Energy sympathised with citizens
Read the full statement;
“We are particularly concerned about the reported damages across key locations including Aregbe Junction, Oke-Fia, Ogo-Oluwa, and Osogbo Grammar School, where critical infrastructure such as houses, billboards, fences, electric poles, kiosks, and other structures were impacted. While we are grateful that no lives were lost, the scale of disruption to livelihoods and property is deeply acknowledged.
“Preliminary assessments indicate that the incident was caused by a combination of intense rainfall and strong winds – conditions that align with the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which highlights increased rainfall variability, early-season storms, and elevated temperatures across the South-West region.
“It is important to note that prior to this event, the Osun State Government – guided by NiMet projections, had already initiated a number of proactive measures to mitigate anticipated climate risks. These efforts were further strengthened by the foresight and leadership of His Excellency, who ensured Osun State’s active participation in the NiMet Seasonal Climate Prediction briefing, enabling early alignment of state-level planning with national climate forecasts.
These proactive measures include:
- Pre-season climate risk advisories to relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, highlighting the likelihood of early-season storms and intensified rainfall events
- Preliminary identification of flood-prone zones across key urban centres, including Osogbo
- Early-stage drainage maintenance planning and targeted desilting in selected high-risk corridors
- Ongoing integration of climate data into state planning processes, particularly within environment, urban development, and infrastructure sectors
- Stakeholder engagement and coordination efforts aimed at strengthening preparedness across agencies
While these anticipatory steps have strengthened our readiness, the intensity of last night’s event underscores the need to accelerate and scale ongoing interventions.
In response, the Osun State Government, through our office and in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, has activated the following additional measures:
- Rapid Assessment and Response: Ongoing evaluation of affected areas and coordination with emergency services for debris clearance and restoration of normalcy.
- Accelerated Drainage and Flood Control Intervention: Immediate desilting of critical drainage channels across Osogbo and expansion of interventions in previously identified flood-prone zones.
- Infrastructure Safety Audit and Enforcement: A statewide audit of billboards, electrical poles, and vulnerable public infrastructure, alongside enforcement actions where necessary.
- Strengthening Waste Management Systems: Intensified enforcement against indiscriminate waste disposal, particularly in drainage channels, alongside expansion of structured waste collection systems under the State’s circular economy framework.
- Enhanced Early Warning and Public Advisory Systems: Scaling up of climate information dissemination, including real-time advisories to ensure residents receive timely alerts on extreme weather events.
We also call on all residents of Osun State to partner with the government in building a climate-resilient society by:
-Avoiding indiscriminate felling of trees
-Planting of trees across households
- Avoiding the dumping of waste in drains and waterways
- Reporting blocked drainage systems and fallen infrastructure promptly
- Adhering to urban planning and environmental regulations
- Taking precautionary measures during periods of heavy rainfall and storms
Climate change is no longer a distant threat – it is here, and it is affecting our communities in real time. However, with continued proactive governance, strengthened systems, and sustained public cooperation, we can significantly reduce its impacts.
The Government of Osun State remains fully committed to safeguarding lives, protecting infrastructure, and advancing sustainable, climate-resilient development.
