Ogun-Osun Basin Boss Issues Deforestation Flooding Warning

• Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, head of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, warned that deforestation and indiscriminate waste disposal into waterways are worsening flooding and risking lives.
• The warning was delivered in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a tree-planting event and roadshow commemorating the 2026 World Rivers Day, themed “No Forest, No Rivers, No Water, No Life.”
• Ashiru linked Nigeria's unpredictable and heavier rainfall, leading to community flooding, directly to global warming and climate change, emphasizing collective environmental responsibility.
• He stressed that environmental degradation is not solely an industrial or governmental issue, citing ordinary citizens' actions as significant contributors to the problem.
• The authority urged responsible waste disposal and protection of trees and waterways, explaining that waste in drainages causes river blockages, leading to flooding and fatalities.

Every act of deforestation and every instance of waste dumped into a drainage system can directly contribute to severe flooding and tragic loss of life.

Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, who serves as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating threat of flooding. He specifically cautioned against the detrimental practices of deforestation and the indiscriminate disposal of waste into natural waterways, asserting that these actions are directly worsening flooding conditions and could tragically lead to loss of life.

This urgent message was delivered on Monday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a public awareness roadshow and a symbolic tree-planting exercise. The event was held to commemorate the upcoming 2026 World Rivers Day celebration, which carries the poignant theme, “No Forest, No Rivers, No Water, No Life.” The O-ORBDA boss underscored the critical link between environmental degradation and the increasing vulnerability of communities to severe weather events.

Dr. Ashiru emphasized that the intensifying effects of global warming and climate change have transformed environmental protection into a universal responsibility. He highlighted that Nigeria is not immune to these global phenomena, experiencing their consequences through increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns and widespread flooding across its communities. The nation has recently witnessed heavier rainfall than usual, leading to significant inundation.

He articulated that these climatic shifts, characterized by erratic and intense precipitation, are direct manifestations of global warming and climate change. While acknowledging the global scale of the issue, the Ogun-Osun basin boss stressed that collective action at all levels holds the key to mitigating the severe impacts of climate-related disasters within Nigeria.

The O-ORBDA chief urged individuals, communities, and governmental bodies to embrace their shared responsibility in safeguarding the environment. He challenged the notion that environmental degradation is solely the purview of industries or official agencies, pointing out that the daily actions of ordinary citizens significantly contribute to the problem. Dr. Ashiru cited examples such as street vendors and drivers, illustrating how everyday activities can collectively exacerbate environmental challenges.

He underscored the profound importance of the 2026 World Rivers Day campaign, “No Forest, No Rivers, No Water, No Life,” as a vital initiative to foster this collective awareness and action. The message from the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority is clear: effective environmental protection requires a broad-based commitment, extending beyond institutional efforts to encompass every member of society.

The tree-planting activity undertaken during the event served as a powerful symbol, reinforcing the urgent need to halt deforestation and protect the integrity of forests, rivers, and other waterways. Dr. Ashiru explained that these measures have a far-reaching ripple effect, contributing to the prevention of both local and global disasters, including the devastating impact of flooding in communities. He implored residents to disseminate this crucial message of environmental protection throughout their neighborhoods.

He further elaborated on how seemingly small actions around local drainage systems can have significant, far-reaching consequences. Waste carelessly discarded into drainage channels is inevitably carried by rainwater into larger rivers, creating blockages that directly contribute to severe flooding and, tragically, the loss of human lives. Therefore, the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority strongly advocates for responsible waste disposal and the diligent protection of trees and waterways as essential daily responsibilities for all citizens. Every act of deforestation and every instance of waste dumped into a drainage system can directly contribute to severe flooding and tragic loss of life.

This statement from a key environmental authority signals a heightened focus on deforestation and waste management practices in Nigeria, particularly in flood-prone regions like Ogun State. Lawyers should advise clients in land development, waste management, and industrial sectors to anticipate potential future regulatory tightening or increased enforcement actions related to environmental impact assessments and waste disposal compliance.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspaper