The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has revealed that his administration had expended over N200 million to provide valuable relief materials for victims of disasters in the state within the first quarter of 2026.
The governor gave the revelation on Friday, while distributing relief materials to another 200 victims of rainstorm disaster in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.
Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said his government expended such humongous amount of money to demonstrate that he shared in the pains of those who fell victims of all forms of disasters .
Oyebanji saluted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for partnering his government to provide necessary elixir and mitigation to the sufferings of victims through expeditious approvals of relief materials that could provide a soothing balm and heal their pains.
The governor assured that his government won’t relent in his strides to stand by those whose property were ravaged by rainstorm, fire and flooding, advising property owners to always embrace precautionary tips that could avert such devastating occurrences.
“We share in your pains, and we want you to know that you are not alone in this difficult time. I want to sincerely appreciate Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his passion and empathy for the citizens of Ekiti State. Mr Governor has always been responding swiftly to emergency cases in state.
“In year 2026, Mr Governor had given approvals totaling over N200 million as relief materials for disaster victims.
“Today’s intervention is a clear demonstration of the unwavering commitment of the Government of Governor Oyebanji and that of Federal Government, led by President Tinubu to support States in mitigating the impact of disasters on our people.
“We are sincerely grateful for this timely and thoughtful gesture. It reflects a strong partnership and a shared dedication to the welfare of Nigerians”.
The governor showered encomiums on the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (EKSEMA) and all relevant stakeholders for their swift responses, coordination, and continued efforts in managing disaster situations within the state.
“To our beneficiaries, these relief materials are meant to cushion the immediate effects of the challenges you are facing. While they may not fully replace what had been lost, they are a symbol of hope and a reminder that your government cares deeply about your wellbeing. I urge you to make judicious use of these items”
Oyebanji emphasized the importance of community cooperation and proactive measures in disaster prevention and management, urging residents to avoid practices that increase disaster risks, and supporting government initiatives aimed at safeguarding property.
The General Manager, EKSEMA, Mr. Oludare Asaolu, who described the governor as compassionate, said Oyebanji had given approval of a sum of N230 million for victims of fire and rainstorm disasters, which he said would be disbursed soon.
Asaolu added that besides financial support, the government had also offered psychological and rehabilitation supports for the victims to overcome their post traumatic disorders and challenges.
“Like I always say, Governor Oyebanji is not interested in donating materials to victims of disasters. He believes in prevention and doing things for the citizens that could genuinely touch their lives. I beg you, kindly refrain from those actions that often triggered these kind of sad occurrences” .
The representatives of National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA), Mrs Foluso Aladetimehin, regretted the surge in disaster occurrences due to unwholesome human actions, saying people should take precautions to avert cases of rainstorm, fire and flooding that are wreaking havoc on property.
“The dry season had gone now. That was the time we had cases of fire disasters. Rain is now on the way. Please, don’t dump refuse and sewages on waterways and drainages. This could cause flooding with devastating effect now or in future”.
Lending his voice, the Commissioner for Information, Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun, said the current government won’t compromise his passion to place high premium value on the welfare, wellness, and security of the citizens, by constantly demonstrating empathy for the less privileged.
Olatunbosun appealed to the electorate to reciprocate the uncommon gesture, by reelecting governor Oyebanji through the ballot in the June 20 governorship election, describing this as the best way to stabilize good governance in Ekiti for more democracy dividends.