The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has again disbursed cash and materials worth a whopping sum of N105 million to 159 rainstorm and flood victims, urging the residents to heed the warnings of the Nigeria Metrological Agency(NIMET), by clearing drainages and stop blocking the waterways that could stoke ravaging water flow .
NIMET had in its 2026 well publicised rain prediction handed down recently, captured Ekiti as one of the states likely to witness flooding as the raining season assumes its peak, which can lead to wanton destruction of property and death, if allowed to happen.
Besides cash, other relief materials distributed were: roofing sheets, bags of cement, roofing nails, food items, planks and other consumables .
Speaking during the distribution, on Thursday, Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, bemoaned the upsurge of rainstorm and flooding occurrences in recent time, which he attributed to laxity and indiscretion on the parts of many of the property owners.
The governor regretted how the people’s property were being destroyed , turning house owners to refuge seekers due to displacement suffered through ravaging flooding and rainstorm attacks, saying only collective efforts can halt these sordid scenarios and incidences.
“In recent months, many of our communities have experienced the devastating effects of flooding and destructive rainstorms. Homes were destroyed, farmlands washed away, and families displaced. Behind every damaged roof and collapsed wall is a story of pain and hardship.
“But today, again we are here to say: Government sees you. Government feels your pain. And Government is with you.This administration remains committed to the welfare and wellbeing of every Ekiti citizen. That is why, upon receiving reports from the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (EKSEMA), Governor Oyebanji immediately approved this intervention to bring succour to those affected.
“Let me appeal to all Ekiti people. Climate change is real. We must desist from building on waterways. We must clear our drainages and take early warning information from EKSEMA and NIMET seriously.
“Prevention is far better and cheaper than cure.On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I pray that God will restore all that has been lost and that our state will be spared from future disasters.It is now my honour and privilege”,
Oyebanji revealed that his government from year 2022 to date, had assisted victims of rainstorms with a total sum of N460.8 million , while victims of fire disaster got assistance worth N184,6 million.
The governor , who commended EKSEMA for the swift assessment, verification and transparent process, applauded the Local Government Chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their collaborations and support for grassroots’ sensitisation and campaigns.
Canvassing solid support for the anti-flooding campaigns of government to be successful, the General Manager, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Oludare Asaolu, said the government had expended huge amounts to help the victims rebuild their losses since 2022 and to spearhead sensitisation programmes across the 16 councils on how to mitigate flooding and rainstorm attacks.
The SEMA Boss warned residents and developers against building on waterways and flood prone areas, promising that his agency will continue to monitor situations and take proactive actions that will reduce natural disasters in the state.
“We have to be cautious of rainstorm and flooding. These can cause serious economic crisis to us. It is not about water disaster alone, we should be careful of fire in our homes. Many houses had got burnt due to electricity sparks. This is the more reason why you should off your lights while leaving home and correct all electrical faults to prevent fire surge that can destroy your property”.
Hyping the fact that rainstorm and flooding effects could be devastating and cause economic and psychological crises to people, the National Emergency Management Agency’s head of operations in Ekiti and Ondo States, Mr Olanrewaju Kazim, said NIMET had predicted more torrential rainfall in the month of September, which he said makes it imperative for the people to take measures that could safeguard their property.
Appreciating the government for the gestures on behalf of the beneficiaries, former Chairman of Ekiti Southwest Local Government Area, Hon Larne Omolase and Mr Peter Akomokafe, praised the government for the swift intervention, saying it will go a long way in helping them rebuild their losses and begin a new life.
Dignitaries at the event included : member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Iyabo Fakunle Okiemen, the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, Commissioner for Information, Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun, Director General, Office of Community Communication, Mrs Mary Oso Omotoso, DG, office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Mr. John Moyo Ekundayo, the Chairman, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Demola Bello, Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, representatives of security chiefs, community leaders, among others.
