AS NIGERIA APPROACHES RAINY SEASON, ENGR. BEMIGHO OFOEYENO FNSE CALLS FOR URGENT IMPLEMENTATION OF MODERN DRAINAGE SYSTEMS TO CURB FLOODING
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With Nigeria on the brink of another rainy season, experts are raising concerns over the looming flood threats across major cities. Speaking at the 24th Anniversary of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Apapa Branch and the 5th Edition of the Engr. Akintunde Zedomi Distinguished Lecture Series, Engr. Bemigho Ofoeyeno, FNSE, FNICE, FNIEE, FNIWE, FIMC, emphasized the urgent need for modern drainage infrastructure to mitigate the anticipated impact of seasonal flooding.
The event, held on Friday, March 29, 2025, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, brought together top engineering professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss sustainable flood control strategies in Nigeria.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM ENGR. BEMIGHO OFOEYENO’S PRESENTATION
Delivering a lecture on “Flood Menace in Nigeria: Impacts, Remedial and Management Strategies,” Engr. Ofoeyeno underscored the dangers posed by poor drainage systems, urban encroachment, and climate change as Nigeria moves into its peak rainfall period. He identified six key factors exacerbating flooding:
Blocked and inadequate drainage systems, restricting water flow.
Uncontrolled urban expansion, leading to construction on flood plains.
Climate change effects, causing unpredictable heavy rainfall.
Destruction of wetlands, reducing natural flood absorption.
Poor waste disposal habits, clogging drainage networks.
Weak flood management policies, limiting effective mitigation.
URGENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FLOOD CONTROL
With heavy rains expected in the coming months, Engr. Ofoeyeno FNSE stressed the importance of proactive measures to prevent widespread damage. His recommendations included:
Upgrading and Expanding Drainage Systems – Implementing modern stormwater management techniques.
Strict Urban Planning Regulations – Preventing construction on natural water channels.
Regular Drainage Desilting and Maintenance – Ensuring free water flow.
Restoration of Wetlands and Green Spaces – Enhancing natural flood defenses.
Public Education on Waste Disposal – Reducing indiscriminate dumping in drainages.
Government Industry Collaboration – Strengthening policy frameworks for effective flood control.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD PRESENTATION
In recognition of his exceptional contributions to engineering and flood management, Engr. Bemigho Ofoeyeno FNSE was presented with the Distinguished Service Award by NSE Apapa Branch.
The award was presented by Engr. Abrahim Aledu, FNSE, Pioneer Chairman of NSE Apapa Branch, who represented Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE (President, NSE).
Engr. Aledu commended Engr. Ofoeyeno’s dedication to sustainable engineering solutions in Nigeria, stating that his work serves as a blueprint for flood management strategies in the country.
As Nigeria prepares for the peak of the rainy season, experts and policymakers are urged to act swiftly in implementing these recommendations to mitigate another cycle of destructive flooding.