Ogun fish farmers seek Tinubu, Abiodun’s help after N700m flood loss

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Fish farmers under the Ijebuland Fish Farmers’ Association have appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for emergency support and compensation after flash floods destroyed farms and assets worth over N700m across parts of Ijebu-Ife and Ijebu-Igbo.

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The association said the disaster, caused by two days of heavy rainfall between July 13 and 14, 2026, washed away fish ponds, catfish stocks and production equipment belonging to more than 150 farmers.

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Speaking at a press conference held on Thursday at Eriwe Farms Village, Ijebu-Ode, the association’s Secretary, Mr Oluyemi Oludayo, said the incident had further worsened the challenges faced by farmers who were beginning to recover from market challenges and insecurity in the area.

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Oludayo identified the affected areas as the Mojalake Fish Farm Cluster in Ijebu-Ife, along the Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway in Ijebu East Local Government Area, and several fish farming communities in Ijebu-Igbo, including Egbe Semi Jeje, Odobolu, Mercy Model and West End in Ijebu North Local Government Area.

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Oludayo said, “Just when the prolonged glut in the fish market was easing and demand for catfish was beginning to improve, our members were again hit by devastating floods caused by heavy rainfall that lasted for two days.

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“The disaster has resulted in the destruction of fish, ponds, solar pumping machines, solar panels, gas cylinders and other production assets worth over N700m.”

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He said farmers in Ijebu-Igbo alone suffered losses estimated at more than N300m, attributing the flooding to blocked waterways, poor drainage systems, unchecked urban development and the failure to dredge and desilt the Ogbere Stream.

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According to him, the stream, which serves as the main channel for evacuating floodwaters from the town, had become shallow and narrow due to years of neglect, causing it to overflow after the heavy rainfall.

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“The Ogbere Stream, which serves as the major channel for evacuating floodwaters from the town, has become too narrow and shallow due to years of neglect. Consequently, it overflowed its banks after the heavy rains, destroying fish farms and other investments,” he said.

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The association urged the Ogun State Government to urgently rehabilitate drainage systems, remove structures obstructing waterways and dredge the Ogbere Stream to prevent future occurrences.

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Oludayo also blamed flooding that affected the Mojalake Fish Farm Cluster in Ijebu-Ife, where farmers lost over N400m, on the ongoing reconstruction of the Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway.

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While commending the Federal Government for the road project, he faulted the absence of adequate drainage channels.

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“We are not against the road project. We welcome development. However, we are concerned about the manner in which the project is being executed.

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“The reconstruction, with heavily reinforced concrete pavement but without adequate drainage, has channelled huge volumes of water directly into the Mojalake Fish Farm Cluster, leading to predictable flooding,” he said.

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The association called on the Federal Ministry of Works to construct proper drainage channels to redirect stormwater into the Ade River and also dredge the river to improve water flow.

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Oludayo criticised what he described as a reactive approach to flood management, saying authorities often issue flood warnings without investing adequately in drainage infrastructure, housing and regular clearing of waterways.

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He recalled that fish farmers in Ijebuland had suffered similar losses in previous years, including over N500m losses recorded by six fish farm clusters in 2022 and more than N300m losses suffered by farmers in the Odogbolu-Ayepe axis in 2025 after the Uren River overflowed.

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He added that affected farmers from those incidents had yet to receive compensation.

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“The victims have been left without any form of assistance. Some have not recovered from those losses, while others continue farming under constant fear whenever the rainy season begins,” he said.

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Oludayo disclosed that farmers in the Ikangba-Agoro area spent over N30m in 2023 to dredge the Yemule River through self-help before government intervention came months later, while another N20m was spent this year for similar work.

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“The responsibility of dredging rivers and clearing waterways should not rest on struggling farmers. It is the responsibility of government and should be carried out routinely,” he added.

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The association demanded immediate relief materials, compensation for destroyed investments, routine dredging of waterways, access to single-digit agricultural loans, affordable solar-powered pumping equipment and the establishment of an agricultural marketing board to address recurring fish market challenges.

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The Chairman of Ijebu Igbo Fish Farmers Association, Mr Hafeez Bada, and Chairman of Mojalake Farm Cluster, Engr Isah Hussaini, also appealed to the state and federal governments for urgent assistance.

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Hussaini said the losses had become unbearable, revealing that he personally lost over N40m, while some farmers were hospitalised after the disaster.

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“The losses are unbearable, I personally lost over N40m, some of our members have to be hospitalized, we really don’t want to lose any of us. We are only begging Gov Dapo Abiodun and President Tinubu to please come to our aid. We have been left with nothing to sustain our families. We beg for this much needed help,” he said.

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The association’s Chairman, Mr Lazarus Okole, and spokesperson, Mr Eko John Nicholas, also urged the government to provide compensation, saying only substantial support would enable affected farmers to recover and return to business.

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The group further called on the Federal Government to include catfish and other protein sources in school feeding programmes as part of efforts to tackle malnutrition and address rising food costs.

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