The Federal Government has issued a warning regarding anticipated heavy rainfall and flooding across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The states identified as high-risk for flooding include: Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, along with the Federal Capital Territory.

On Thursday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, indicated that regions within the South-South geopolitical zone are likely to experience coastal and riverine flooding due to rising sea levels.

Recent flooding incidents in Maiduguri, particularly following a leak at the Alau Dam in 2024, exemplify the severity of the situation.

Among the states at heightened risk are Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers, in addition to Akwa Ibom and Edo, which also fall under the high-flood risk category.

Utsev made these comments during the public unveiling of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in Abuja. The 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) is divided into three sections aimed at addressing the urgent challenges posed by flood disasters while providing critical information for mitigation efforts, particularly in the most vulnerable populations.

The minister emphasized that flooding remains one of Nigeria’s most devastating natural disasters, a situation exacerbated by climate change, which intensifies both the frequency and severity of such events.

He noted that this year, 1,249 communities across 176 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the 30 states and the FCT are situated within high-risk flood zones, while an additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs are at moderate risk of flooding. Key areas of concern include Abia, Benue, Lagos, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Jigawa, among others.

To enhance early warning and response strategies, this year’s AFO has introduced a community-based flood forecasting methodology. This approach allows for forecasts that are tailored to specific communities, thereby improving actionable communication and preparedness at the local level.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Richard Pheelangwah, urged stakeholders to prioritize timely responses. “This outlook is not merely numerical; it is fundamentally about safeguarding lives and livelihoods,” he stated.

Umar Mohammed, Director General of NIHSA, highlighted that this year’s flood forecast goes beyond merely identifying LGAs and now pinpoints specific communities at risk. “Our focus has expanded to evaluate the impacts on various sectors, including health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, providing more comprehensive tools for policymakers and disaster risk managers,” he remarked.

Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, is gearing up for the highly anticipated National Sports Festival Ogun 2024, and the city’s leading nightlife event, Quench 3.0, has announced its readiness to deliver a world-class entertainment experience for visitors.

Dubbed the biggest night of live entertainment in Abeokuta, Quench 3.0 aims to offer a premium and unforgettable experience to the influx of guests expected during the festival.

Speaking with journalists,Amb Olanireti Rasheed Segun, the Public Relations Officer for Quench 3.0 and CEO of IYKYK Lounge, widely known as “Highest Paid” assured that the event is fully prepared for what promises to be a landmark occasion.

” With over 30,000 attendees anticipated from across Nigeria’s 36 states, the sports festival is set to bring a vibrant energy to Abeokuta, and Quench 3.0 is poised to complement it with top-tier nightlife.”

Amb Olanireti praised Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his transformative efforts in upgrading sporting facilities ahead of the festival.

He highlighted the revamp of the MKO Abiola Stadium in Kuto, now rebranded as the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, as a symbolic achievement.

“This transformation offers young people an exclusive sporting experience and opens doors to global opportunities,” he said, pointing to Ogun-born stars like Tobi Amusan and Anthony Joshua as inspiring examples of what such initiatives can achieve.

Quench 3.0 expressed strong optimism that Ogun State is on track to host the most successful National Sports Festival in Nigeria’s history.

The event’s organisers believe the state’s focus on nurturing young talent and pitting them against seasoned athletes aligns seamlessly with President Tinubu’s directive to drive talent development and innovation in Nigerian sports.

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” Amb Olanireti quipped, emphasising Quench 3.0’s mission to provide a relaxing yet exhilarating night out.

The event promises a serene, secure, and affordable environment designed to help visitors unwind from the stresses of daily life while enjoying a world-class entertainment experience.

Quench 3.0 commendedd the state’s security forces for their proactive approach in ensuring safety and tackling crime, a vital factor in making the festival and its accompanying events a success.