Akure, Ondo – The Ondo State chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene in addressing the devastating impact of flooding in parts of the state, particularly in Akure and coastal areas.

Led by its Amirah (President), Alhaja Medinat Omikunle, the association’s leadership toured some of the hardest-hit communities in Akure, including Oba-Ile, Irese Road, and Ayedun, where homes, businesses, and roads have been submerged following days of heavy downpour.

Describing the situation as “very alarming,” Omikunle expressed deep worry over the condition of affected residents, many of whom have lost their homes and livelihoods.

She pointed out that the disaster has taken a new dimension with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) projecting Ondo State as one of the areas most likely to experience more severe flooding in the coming months.

While commending Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for the mitigation and channelisation efforts already undertaken, the FOMWAN leader insisted that the scale of the challenge demands more than the state alone can handle.

“We must acknowledge the commendable steps already taken by Governor Aiyedatiwa in mitigating the effects of flooding,” she said.

“However, the reality on the ground shows that the state cannot bear this burden alone. We urge the Federal Government to provide both financial and technical support to help find a lasting solution to this menace.”

Also speaking, the state chairperson of FOMWAN’s Humanitarian and Community Development Committee, Alhaja Rafat Momoh, called for a more holistic and coordinated approach to flood management, stressing that what the state is witnessing is no longer just an environmental issue, but a humanitarian emergency.

“Many displaced residents are currently living in deplorable conditions, with limited access to shelter, food, and medical care,” Momoh lamented.

“Flooding is not merely an environmental challenge; it has become a humanitarian crisis. While emergency relief is necessary, what we need most is proactive planning and infrastructure that will prevent this from happening year after year.”

She appealed to relevant government agencies, corporate bodies, and well-meaning Nigerians to collaborate with the state government to rehabilitate affected communities and put in place long-term flood control mechanisms.

Momoh further reaffirmed FOMWAN’s commitment to advocating for vulnerable groups and supporting communities during emergencies, noting that the association’s leadership across other local governments such as Ondo, Ilaje, and Okitipupa, have also been directed to visit flood-hit areas under their jurisdictions.

The visit by the FOMWAN executive council was met with appreciation from affected residents, who described the gesture as timely and humane.

They also joined in calling for swift government action to avert future losses and build resilience against natural disasters.

As the rains continue, concerns remain high about the capacity of communities and the government to cope, even as calls for federal intervention intensify.