The Ekiti State Government has urged residents and travellers across the state to exercise extreme caution as heavy rainfall continues to trigger flooding in some areas.

The government also expressed sympathy to residents whose properties, businesses and sources of livelihood were affected by the recent flooding.

The Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, following heavy rainfall recorded in Ado-Ekiti and other parts of the state.

Olatunbosun said the government had commenced public sensitisation ahead of the latest incidents, based on weather forecasts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

He said the sensitisation was intended to encourage residents to monitor weather forecasts, avoid vulnerable locations and take necessary precautions during periods of heavy rainfall.

The commissioner disclosed that he had personally addressed residents protesting around the Pathfinder/Ayemi Garage area along the Iworoko Road, where flooding had caused concerns among residents and road users.

He added that he also appeared on a simulcast programme to explain the flooding situation, government interventions and safety measures expected of residents.

Olatunbosun acknowledged the concerns arising from the flooding but urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with relevant authorities as efforts continue to reduce the risks.

According to him, flooding caused by intense rainfall is not peculiar to Ekiti, noting that similar incidents had recently been recorded in parts of Akure, Osun, Oyo, Lagos and Delta states, as well as other parts of the world.

He said the development further underscored the need for residents to take weather forecasts and safety warnings seriously, particularly during periods of extreme rainfall.

The commissioner assured residents that the government, under Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, remained committed to protecting lives and property and mitigating the impact of flooding across the state.

He listed some of the government’s interventions as extensive dredging of waterways, desilting of drainage channels, removal of blockages, public sensitisation and collaboration among relevant agencies on environmental management and development control.

Olatunbosun disclosed that the state government had spent more than ₦1.18 billion between 2023 and 2026 on flood-control interventions, including the rehabilitation of waterways and drainage infrastructure across Ekiti.

He, however, acknowledged that the intensity of rainfall, rapid movement of stormwater and other environmental factors could cause sudden flooding in vulnerable locations despite ongoing preventive measures.

The commissioner advised residents against walking, riding motorcycles or driving through flooded roads, bridges, streams and other water channels, regardless of the apparent depth of the water.

He also urged parents and guardians to keep children away from flooded drainage channels, riverbanks and other areas exposed to fast-moving water.

Olatunbosun advised residents to seek shelter in safe and elevated locations during heavy rainfall and warned against attempting to cross flooded routes.

He further appealed to residents to maintain proper environmental sanitation and stop dumping refuse into gutters, culverts and drainage channels, stressing that blocked drainage systems could worsen flooding.

Residents were also urged to promptly report blocked drains, rising water levels and other environmental hazards to the relevant authorities.

The commissioner called on residents in flood-prone communities to comply with official safety advisories and evacuation instructions whenever necessary.

He also warned against erecting structures on waterways, drainage setbacks and flood-prone areas, while urging greater cooperation with government agencies responsible for environmental protection and physical planning.

Olatunbosun appealed to community leaders, landlords, market associations, transport operators and other stakeholders to support public safety efforts by disseminating flood warnings and discouraging activities that obstruct drainage systems.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to responding to the situation and strengthening measures to mitigate flooding across Ekiti.

The commissioner urged residents to avoid panic and refrain from relying on unverified information, advising them to obtain updates through official government channels and report emergencies to the appropriate authorities.

“The Government appeals for the understanding and cooperation of all residents as the State continues to address the effects of the heavy rainfall and safeguard lives and property,” he said.