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IUFMP blames Ibadan flooding on indiscriminate refuse disposal
The Ibadan Urban Flood Project Management (IUFMP), has blamed the recent flooding in the capital city of Oyo state on indiscriminate refuse disposal which blocked the drainage system.
IUFMP, emphasized that the dumping of refuses in rivers and streams is the major cause of flood, urging the residents to desist from such act.
The project Coordinator, Engr. Olasunkanmi Sokeye made this observation after supervising rivers and streams dredged by the agency through the world bank intervention projects on flood disaster on Wednesday in Ibadan.
Sokeye said if residents of Ibadan stop dumping solid wastes and creating obstruction on flood planes, eighty or ninety percent of the flood crisis will stop.
He maintained that through IUFMP, no fewer than 45 rivers and streams with minimum length of 3kilometers and maximum of about 1,500 kilometers have been dredged to pave way for free flow of water and prevent flood disaster in the state.
He further noted that since the fund available was not enough for the execution of all their plans, the state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde intervened by releasing more funds for dredging and channelization of water planes.
Earlier in his remarks, Engr. Rufus Iyiola, the Hydraulic Consultant for IUFMP, said dredging of rivers and streams in Ibadan has been an annual projects of the agency to avoid flood in Ibadan. He noted that the IUFMP also needed to be proactive against the forecast of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NIMET which said about 26 states including Oyo will experience flash flood in 2021.
Some of the dredged sites visited included Lasokun stream, Alafara stream at Ologuneru, Ikolaba stream at Ikolaba, Omolayo stream at Akobo, Bolajoko stream at Akobo, Odeku stream at New Garage, Aba Alamu/ Aladie stream at Sharp corner, Gbekuba stream at Nihort area among others.
The development generated reactions from residents of Ibadan, among them is the renowned publisher, Agbo Areo, who commended Governor Makinde and the IUFMP for their intervention. He urged them not to relent in their efforts to prevent flood disaster in the state.
Paul Ajayi, a motorcyclist who was plying on the road in the course of the supervision around Kuola Apata road told journalists that prior to government’s intervention, they used to have issues whenever there is heavy down pour, adding that since the commencement of the dredging, everything has stopped and they’ve been moving freely.
Also commenting, Mrs. Aderinto Olanike, a resident in one of the areas said anytime it rains they do leave their homes as water would submerge the bridge and they wouldn’t be able to cross to the other side of the road.
“We do record casualties in the past whenever it rains, but now we are happy that the unpleasant experience has become a history because of this development and we thank the government for this intervention”, she said.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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