EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: After Decades in Osun, Lagos and Ogun, a 72-Year-Old Woman Speaks on Flooding and Waste Management

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                          Watch the full interview video on The Creativity Site Facebook Page

By Victor Olubiye

Flooding, poor waste disposal, and environmental sanitation remain major concerns in many Nigerian communities, particularly during the rainy season. While governments continue to invest in drainage infrastructure and waste management programmes, questions remain about whether enough is being done—and whether citizens themselves are playing their part.

To gain a grassroots perspective, The Creativity Site spoke with Mrs. Adeola Odudele, a 72-year-old woman who has lived in Osun, Lagos, and Ogun states over the course of her life. Drawing from decades of personal experience, she shared her observations on flooding, waste management, environmental cleanliness, and what she believes governments and citizens must do to protect their communities.

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The Interview

Victor Olubiye: Ma'am, please introduce yourself and tell us about your experience living in Osun, Lagos, and Ogun States.

Mrs. Adeola Odudele: My name is Adeola Odudele. I am an indigene of Osun State and was born there. Business later brought us to Lagos, where we spent some years, before relocating again to Ogun State, where we currently live. That is how I have come to live across all three states.

Victor Olubiye: When you compare the past with the present, how have environmental conditions changed in these states?

Mrs. Adeola Odudele: In the past, people were more careful about how they handled waste. In Osun, people did not dump refuse indiscriminately. The same was largely true in other places. Over time, however, environmental challenges have increased, and communities now face more issues related to sanitation and waste disposal.

Victor Olubiye: Have you noticed any significant changes in drainage systems over the years?

Mrs. Adeola Odudele: Yes, there have been improvements because many drainage channels have been rehabilitated and expanded. However, the problem is that people still throw refuse into gutters and drainage channels. When rain falls, the water cannot flow freely, and it ends up flooding homes and streets.

In Osun, people traditionally used designated dump sites. Once those sites became full, they were properly managed. Ogun State has similar arrangements in many communities. Lagos has LAWMA, but despite that, there is still a lot of refuse on the streets.

Victor Olubiye: Some people argue that Lagos has a more advanced waste management structure than many states. Why do you think the sanitation challenge persists?

Mrs. Adeola Odudele: Lagos has LAWMA, and no other state has an agency exactly like it. But from what I have observed, waste collection is not as regular as it used to be. Before LAWMA became prominent, private waste collectors operated in many areas. People paid them, and waste was removed promptly.

Today, many people complain that collection is not frequent enough. As a result, refuse accumulates and creates environmental and health concerns.

Victor Olubiye: Among Osun, Ogun, and Lagos States, which one experiences the worst flooding?

Mrs. Adeola Odudele: Lagos. Lagos is surrounded by water, and many drainage channels become overwhelmed during heavy rainfall. When people dump refuse into those channels, the problem becomes worse because water can no longer flow properly.

Victor Olubiye: Can you recall any specific flooding incident that left a lasting impression on you?

Mrs. Adeola Odudele: Yes. I remember a period when heavy rainfall led to severe flooding, and a person was reportedly swept away by floodwaters around the Ikotun area. Incidents like that show how dangerous flooding can become when waterways are blocked.

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Victor Olubiye: How have waste disposal practices changed in the places where you have lived?

Mrs. Adeola Odudele: In Osun State, we used public dump sites where people took their refuse. In Ogun State, many communities had designated areas where waste could be disposed of or burned.

In Lagos, people were encouraged to use waste bins and drums while waiting for collection. The challenge is that when collection is delayed, those bins overflow and waste spills into surrounding areas.

Victor Olubiye: Between the three states, which would you describe as the cleanest?

Mrs. Adeola Odudele: From my experience, Osun State is the cleanest. There is less indiscriminate dumping of refuse along major roads. Lagos, on the other hand, faces greater challenges with waste accumulation because of its population and environmental pressures.

Victor Olubiye: Many Nigerians describe Lagos as the "London of Nigeria." Why do you think a city with such a reputation still struggles with flooding and sanitation issues?

Mrs. Adeola Odudele: People who have never visited Lagos often imagine it to be a perfect city. Lagos has many opportunities, but it also faces serious challenges because of its population size and infrastructure demands.

When people arrive, they often discover that daily life can be more difficult than expected. The environmental challenges are part of that reality.

Victor Olubiye: The government has introduced initiatives such as the BRT transport system. Do you think government efforts are making a difference?

Mrs. Adeola Odudele: The government is trying. The BRT system is a good example. However, the population is very large, and available services are often not enough to meet demand. More needs to be done to match the growing needs of residents.

Victor Olubiye: What should governments and community leaders do to reduce flooding and improve environmental sanitation?

Mrs. Adeola Odudele: Governments should strengthen waste collection systems and ensure agencies responsible for sanitation perform effectively. If refuse is collected regularly, communities will remain cleaner and healthier.

I remember when waste collection happened every few days. There was less dirt and fewer unpleasant odours. We need to return to that level of efficiency.

Victor Olubiye: Finally, what message would you like to leave for Nigerians?

Mrs. Adeola Odudele: My advice is simple: Nigerians should take personal responsibility for their environment. Community leaders should work closely with government, and residents should stop waiting for government alone to solve every problem.

If we all play our part, our communities will become cleaner, healthier, and safer for everyone.

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Mrs. Adeola Odudele's reflections offer a rare perspective shaped by decades of living across three South-West states. While governments have a responsibility to provide effective waste management and drainage infrastructure, her message is that environmental protection cannot succeed without public cooperation.

As flooding and sanitation challenges continue to affect communities across Nigeria, her experience serves as a reminder that cleaner neighbourhoods begin with both policy action and personal responsibility.

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