Ogun NUJ Federated Chapel Takes Action Against Flooding, Clears Blocked Drainage in Abeokuta
Members of the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federated Chapel, have demonstrated their commitment to community development by embarking on a drainage clearing exercise along the Oke-Ilewo axis of the NUJ Secretariat in Abeokuta to combat persistent flooding and erosion caused by blocked waterways.
The environmental sanitation exercise, held on Thursday July 23 2026, saw Journalists set aside their professional duties to restore the drainage channels, improve water flow, and reduce the risk of flooding that has continued to affect road users and businesses in the area.
Speaking during the exercise, the Chairman of the Ogun NUJ Federated Chapel, Comrade Juwon Opayemi, represented by the Vice Chairman, Comrade Jaji Olamilekan, said Journalists have a duty to contribute meaningfully to societal development beyond reporting events.
He noted that the drainage blockage had been the primary cause of flooding along the road, expressing confidence that the clean-up exercise would significantly improve the situation.
“We are not just media practitioners; we are members of the society, and contributing to its development is part of our responsibility. The blocked drainage is the major cause of the flooding experienced on this road, and we believe today’s exercise will go a long way in addressing the problem,” he said.
Opayemi also appealed to individuals, business owners and private organisations operating around the Oke-Ilewo corridor to support efforts aimed at improving the condition of the road and ensuring it remains accessible to motorists throughout the rainy season.
In his remarks, the Secretary of the Ogun NUJ Federated Chapel, Comrade Babalola Gafar, described the sanitation exercise as the chapel’s practical contribution to tackling environmental challenges while promoting a cleaner and healthier environment.
He said the initiative reflected the union’s dedication to environmental sustainability, community service and public health.
According to him, Journalists understand the vital role of advocacy and public enlightenment in changing public attitudes towards environmental sanitation.
“As media professionals, we recognise the power of advocacy and public awareness. We will continue to use our various media platforms to educate the public on proper waste disposal and encourage everyone to take responsibility for keeping our environment clean,” Gafar stated.
He commended the leadership and members of the Federated Chapel for their overwhelming support and active participation despite their demanding schedules, noting that their collective efforts demonstrated the positive impact of unity and volunteerism.
Gafar also urged Government Agencies, residents, commercial operators and all users of the environment to sustain the gains of the exercise by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels.
He stressed that while clearing blocked drains was necessary, preventing future blockages through responsible waste disposal remained the lasting solution to recurring flooding and erosion.
Global Mirror News reports that the exercise forms part of the Ogun NUJ Federated Chapel’s broader commitment to promoting environmental responsibility, community engagement and public awareness, while encouraging residents to embrace proper sanitation practices to safeguard lives, property and public infrastructure during the rainy season.
