PHOTO STORY: Canoes to the rescue in Lagos, Ogun flooded communities

David, a 13-year-old JSS 3 student who should be in school, learning alongside his peers, finds himself navigating the waters in a canoe, ferrying people who are affected by the relentless flooding in the Isheri north area of the OPIC estate in Lagos and Ogun state.

The heartbreaking reality is that David, like many other young people in the community, is unable to attend school regularly due to the flooded streets.

“All the roads leading to my school are flooded. But our school didn’t close down despite the flood. If I decide to go to school, who will look after my 3-year-old canoe that brings in little money for me? If I leave it behind, it will be stolen,” David said with a smiling face.

In a recurring and devastating environmental crisis, communities in Lagos and Ogun states continue to grapple with severe flooding, primarily attributed to the periodic opening of the Ogun Dam. This natural disaster has inflicted significant hardship on local residents, impacting their daily lives and causing the loss of properties and livelihoods, with no comprehensive solution from the federal government in sight.

On October 25, the federal government assured residents of the Isheri community in Ifo LGA of Ogun state, of a permanent solution to flooding. 

When TheCable visited the affected communities, commuters resorted to inventive measures, such as okada riders adding makeshift hose to the exhaust system to drain water while riding on the flooded roads. In some cases, only sports utility vehicles can be seen navigating flooded roads, while canoes have become the primary mode of transport.

Tim Amosun, a researcher and public commentator, said the purpose of creating the Ogun-Osun dam has been defeated; instead, the dam has caused more damage to the neighbouring communities as they get affected by floods each time the dam is opened.

Located in Abeokuta north LGA of the state, the dam is managed by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority.

Below are photos of the impact of the flooding.