A civil society group, The Osun Masterminds (TOM) has expressed concern over the rising trend of natural disasters in Osun State, warning that the incoming rainy season could worsen the situation if urgent measures are not taken.
Addressing journalists during the March press conference in Osogbo on Tuesday, the Executive Director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, said recent windstorms and flooding had caused widespread destruction in Osogbo and other parts of the state, describing the latest incident as the most devastating so far.
He cautioned against politicising the incidents, noting that such a period calls for coordinated action to safeguard lives and property rather than political narratives.
According to him, “We have followed conversations on social media, especially from politically bias persons who have started spinning political narratives out of the unfortunate incident. We want to state unequivocally, that a period like this does not call for politicking, rather for urgent practical action that will help protect lives and properties as we enter the rainy season.”
The group urged the state government to move beyond assurances by taking immediate steps, including data collation of affected victims, implementation of a masterplan for Osogbo, review of infrastructure standards, and strengthening emergency response mechanisms.
Oyedokun-Alli also stressed the need for improved meteorological data management and clearance of waterways to mitigate the impact of anticipated heavy rains and possible flooding across the state.
On electricity, the group decried the persistent instability in Nigeria’s power supply, noting that it has continued to cripple businesses and hinder economic growth.
The Executive Director said recent appeals by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, for patience were unacceptable, given the worsening hardship faced by Nigerians due to poor electricity supply.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action, warning that the continued failure in the power sector was placing unbearable pressure on businesses and the nation’s economy.
According to him, “We call on Mr. President to act decisively on the issues of electricity in Nigeria. The economy is bleeding because small and big business owners can no longer cope with the huge burden of private power arrangements, and the responsibility is on the table of Mr. President to fix this.
“As Civil Society people, we desire to see a society that functions optimally for the good of all. However, we are bothered that government inefficiency will continue to make nonsense of these desires. We therefore call on government at all levels to sit up, formulate and implement the right policies that will deliver tangible development to our people.”
