The need for Media and the government to synergize on sensitizing and preventing hazards of flooding forms the fulcrum of discussion at the day one of the three day workshop organized by Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP)
IUFMP an agency supported by world Bank is shaddled with the responsibility of sensitizing and educating the the public and cordinate the activities of stakeholders on Issues related to Flood in Ibadan and its environs with a view of reducing the effects on the people.
Toye Arulogun Oyo state commissioner for Information Culture and Tourism in his paper entitled : Imperatives of Government- Media Relationship on Developmental Projects said the media should always be partners in progress with government in her bid to create conducive enviroment for people.
The commissioner identifies resistance to change and attitudes of people to new idea as one of the major challenges but expresses confidence in effectiveness of multi media approach method.
Other lead facilitators at the workshop including Dr. Adeyinka Lanihun and Bolaji Oladepo in their papers examine the role of media in creating awareness and help in preventing the disaster
Dr. Olanihun in her paper entitled: A broad outline on the place of media in flood control and risk management mitigation said, Media should further enlighten the people on the economic and social impacts of flooding in Ibadan
Olanihun identifies indiscriminate dumping of refuse on water ways ans drainages , rapid urbanization, deforestation enviromental degradation and climate change as causes of flood also said poor media report on flood and lack of flood data mitigates against flood control in the country.
in his submission, Bolaji Oladepo , a media consultant who also delivered a paper on: Application of Developmental Journalism in Mitigating Against Flood opinnes that journalists should make meaningful contributions and support relevant agencies working on flood management control and prevention.
Oyo state commissioner for Finance Mr Bimbola Adekanmbi in his welcome address said the media remains a stakeholders in championing the message of flood risk, reduction and anti- flooding culture to the populace.
The workshop continues tomorrow and end on Thursday morning with a visit to some of the IUFMP sites in Ibadan.
