The Federal Government on Friday commenced the dredging of the Ogun River from its Lagos State end, near Ikorodu, down to Isheri as part of efforts to prevent the perennial flooding of communities along this axis in Ogun and Lagos states.

Speaking during the flag-off, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Deji Ashiru, said the 10-kilometre dredging project would help to widen and deepen the river, increasing its capacity to accommodate more water and control flooding.

Ashiru stated that the project, which is expected to last six months, would also help prevent incidents of dam collapses due to large volumes of water, as occurred in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Tuesday.

Ashiru noted that the Oyan Dam, which is maintained daily and in good condition, has been releasing water since March, yet there have been no reported cases of flooding, he explained that The history of flooding in the Isheri area and other parts of the downstream Ogun River is a matter of great concern. Devastating floods have disrupted lives, properties, and livelihoods, causing significant hardship for residents.