The Ekiti State House of Assembly has commenced a broad stakeholder consultation aimed at finding lasting solutions to the recurring menace of rainstorms, flooding, erosion and other environmental disasters across the state.
The public hearing, organised by the House Committee on Environment, was convened following the increasing devastation caused by natural disasters in several communities across Ekiti.
Addressing the gathering in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, the lawmaker representing Ilejemeje Constituency and Chairman of the Committee, Iyabo Fakunle-Okieimen said the initiative followed the House’s deliberation during its plenary of April 21, 2026, after widespread reports of destructive rainstorms and flooding across different parts of Ekiti State.
She explained that the Speaker of the House, Stephen Aribasoye consequently mandated the Committee on Environment to engage relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), environmental experts, professional bodies, traditional institutions, community leaders, civil society organisations and members of the public in developing practical and sustainable strategies to address the environmental challenges confronting the state.
According to her, the objective was to formulate legislative and policy interventions capable of mitigating the recurring incidents of rainstorms, building collapses, erosion, flooding and other environmental hazards.
Fakunle-Okieimen noted that recent rainstorms had caused extensive destruction to residential buildings, commercial premises, schools, healthcare facilities, electricity installations, roads and other public infrastructure across several communities.
She lamented that beyond the physical damage, the disasters had displaced many families, disrupted businesses and economic activities, endangered lives and imposed severe emotional and financial burdens on affected residents.
Her words, “The House Committee on Environment was set up to examine practical ways of mitigating the effects of hazardous rainstorms and other environmental disasters in Ekiti State.
“Following reports of natural disasters that have affected several communities across the state too numerous to mention, I never imagined that such incidents would also affect my own constituency, Ilejemeje.
“During our plenary sitting of 21st April, 2026, the House, ably led by our amiable and distinguished Speaker, deliberated extensively on the devastating impact of these disasters on our people and public infrastructure.
“Consequently, the Right Honourable Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly mandated the House Committee on Environment to organise this public hearing to engage relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), environmental experts, professional bodies, traditional institutions, community leaders, civil society organisations, and the general public in a robust dialogue on practical and sustainable measures to prevent and mitigate the recurring incidences of rainstorm disasters, building collapse, erosion, flooding, and other environmental challenges confronting our state.
“The Speaker also emphasised the urgent need to encourage afforestation while discouraging indiscriminate deforestation, recognising that protecting our forests and natural vegetation remains one of the most effective ways of reducing environmental degradation and minimising the devastating effects of climate-related disasters.
“In recent times, several communities across Ekiti State have experienced severe rainstorms, resulting in the destruction of residential buildings, commercial shops, schools, healthcare facilities, electricity installations, roads, and other critical public infrastructure.
“Beyond the physical destruction, these disasters have displaced families, disrupted businesses and economic activities, endangered lives, and placed enormous financial and emotional burdens on many households.
“We recently witnessed a tragic incident at the Apo area in Ado-Ekiti, where an Okada rider was swept away by floodwaters. Such incidents remind us of the urgent need to strengthen our environmental management systems and disaster preparedness.
“As representatives of the people, it is our constitutional responsibility not only to make laws but also to ensure that government policies adequately protect our people. We have a duty to safeguard the lives, property, and welfare of our citizens.
“This public hearing, therefore, provides a unique platform for all stakeholders to present their experiences, professional opinions, and practical recommendations that will assist the House in formulating effective legislative and policy interventions”.
Speaking during the hearing, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji had adopted a proactive and deliberate approach to environmental protection since assuming office in 2022.
Responding to questions on the state’s preparedness following predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) of possible flash floods, Olatunbosun disclosed that Governor Oyebanji had, shortly after assuming office, constituted a committee to investigate the causes of recurring flooding in the state.
He said the committee produced a comprehensive report identifying flood-prone areas and recommending measures to tackle the challenge.
According to him, the state government immediately commenced the implementation of the recommendations through deliberate funding and sustained intervention projects.
The commissioner explained that government had consistently undertaken dredging, desilting, excavation of waterways and drainage channels to minimise flooding while also investing in public enlightenment programmes to educate residents on environmental safety.
He thereby warned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels and waterways, construction of buildings on natural watercourses and other practices capable of worsening flooding.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Oludare Asaolu, said the agency had intensified public sensitisation across the state in recent weeks as part of measures to reduce the impact of rainstorms and flooding.
Asaolu noted that while rainstorms are natural phenomena that cannot be prevented, their devastating effects could be significantly minimised through proper planning and responsible environmental practices.
The GM lamented that despite government providing waste disposal facilities, many residents still dump refuse into waterways, thereby increasing the risk of flooding.
He further recommended the removal of illegal structures obstructing natural water flow, greater investment in afforestation and stronger environmental conservation efforts, noting that many residents still pay insufficient attention to tree planting despite its critical role in mitigating the effects of climate change.
