Abiodun Olofe
Residents of Ekiti State have been sensitized against blocking water ways with structures and dumping of refuse indiscriminately along flood-prone areas.
This was part of the messages sent to Ekiti residents during a road show awareness campaign organized by the National Emergency Management Authority in collaboration with the State Emergency Management Agency with the support of other agencies and non-governmental organisations in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday.
The road walk which took off from Oja Oba Central Market through Bisi market/Okeyinmi to popular Fayose market was embarked on by teams from the national and state emergency management agencies, national orientation agency, Nigeria fire services and triple green environmental development to create awareness about the earlier prediction of heavy rainfall and flooding across the country by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
The teams, led by the Operational Manager of NEMA, Ondo and Ekiti State, Mr Olanrewaju Akadiri, said the roadshow was aimed at intimating residents on the need to prevent, prepare and mitigate the people on the adverse effects of flooding in Ekiti state.
“Early warning of flood risk is important. People should ensure proper land use to minimize overgrazing, erosion and deforestation”. He said.
Also speaking, the Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Mrs Kemisola Laka echoed that Ekiti State residents should take some precautionary measures and ensure that safety of their lives and properties be made paramount.
“Your safety is your business, Don’t leave everything to government. Do not build on flood prone areas, head for higher ground and stay away from flooded areas”.
She cautioned, saying that flood victims should endeavour to leave the flooded areas early to avoid being marooned or caught up unaware.
There were also messages from the National Orientation Agency, Triple Green Environmental Development and other stakeholders to caution residents on the dangers inherent in flooding.
The awareness road walk was staged by representatives of these groups and youth corps members, bearing placards with various inscriptions.