Sikiru Obarayese, Author at Tribune Online

Flooding remains one of the most devastating natural disasters in Nigeria, displacing millions, destroying infrastructure, and claiming lives. Addressing this challenge requires innovative solutions that integrate technology and environmental science. At the forefront of this effort is Azeez Adewale Adejumo, an expert environmental scientist at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), whose groundbreaking work on the "Satellite-Based Flood Risk Mapping Project" has set new benchmarks for disaster risk management in Nigeria. As the lead expert on the project, Mr. Adejumo spearheaded the development of a predictive model that integrated satellite imagery with hydrological data to forecast flood-prone areas. This innovative approach combined real-time satellite monitoring with detailed geographic and climate datasets, offering unprecedented accuracy in flood prediction. The resulting model not only identified vulnerable areas but also provided critical insights into potential flood scenarios, enabling proactive disaster management and community resilience. Mr. Adejumo’s work leveraged cutting-edge geospatial technologies and hydrological modeling techniques. By integrating high-resolution satellite imagery from NASRDA’s environmental monitoring satellite program with local and regional hydrological data, the project provided a comprehensive view of flood dynamics. The model considered factors such as rainfall intensity, river basin flow rates, soil saturation levels, and land use patterns to predict flooding with remarkable precision. The project’s most significant innovation was its ability to generate predictive maps that visualized flood risks in real-time. This capability was instrumental in guiding government agencies, emergency response teams, and local communities in preparing for potential flooding events. It marked a significant shift from reactive to proactive disaster management in Nigeria. One of the standout achievements of Mr. Adejumo’s project was its impact on vulnerable communities. Historically, flood-prone regions in Nigeria have suffered from a lack of timely and accurate information, leading to severe losses of life and property. The Satellite-Based Flood Risk Mapping Project addressed this gap by ensuring that communities received early warnings and actionable guidance. Through partnerships with local governments and non-governmental organizations, Mr. Adejumo’s team disseminated flood risk data in accessible formats, such as simplified maps and mobile alerts. These efforts empowered communities to implement mitigation measures, such as relocating to safer areas, constructing flood defenses, and safeguarding critical assets. By mitigating the impact of flooding, the project directly improved the lives of thousands of Nigerians and reduced the socio-economic costs of disasters. The project garnered widespread acclaim from national and international stakeholders, highlighting Mr. Adejumo’s exceptional ability to use technology to solve real-world problems. It was celebrated as a model for integrating space technology with environmental science to address pressing climate challenges. The innovative predictive model developed under Mr. Adejumo’s leadership has since been adopted as a template for similar projects across West Africa, emphasizing its scalability and relevance. In addition to its technical achievements, the project underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Mr. Adejumo’s ability to bridge the gap between scientific research, technological innovation, and practical application was pivotal to the project’s success. His leadership fostered collaboration among geospatial scientists, hydrologists, government agencies, and local communities, creating a unified effort to combat flooding. Azeez Adewale Adejumo’s work exemplifies the transformative potential of integrating technology with environmental science. His dedication to using satellite-based systems for disaster management has not only advanced scientific understanding but also delivered tangible benefits to vulnerable populations.