The Ekiti State Government has spent N645.4m assisting victims of rainstorm and fire disasters across the state between 2022 and 2026, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has disclosed.
Oyebanji made the disclosure on Thursday in Ado Ekiti while presenting N105m in cash and relief materials to 159 victims of rainstorms and flooding.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, the governor expressed concern over the growing impact of flooding, rainstorms and fire outbreaks on residents and urged people to act on early warnings issued by relevant authorities.
He specifically called on residents to heed advisories from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, the National Emergency Management Agency and the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency.
“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,” he said.
The relief package distributed to the affected residents included cash, roofing sheets, cement, wood planks, roofing nails, food items and other consumables.
Oyebanji said the state government had provided N460.8m in assistance to rainstorm victims since 2022, while N184.6m had been spent supporting victims of fire disasters.
“This administration, from the year 2022 to date, has assisted victims of rainstorms with a total sum of N460.8m, while victims of fire disasters received assistance worth N184.6m.”
The governor attributed the recent increase in flooding and rainstorm incidents partly to negligence and indiscretion by some property owners.
He said, “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.
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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 well-being of every Ekiti citizen.
“That is why, upon receiving reports from EKSEMA, we immediately approved this intervention to bring succour to those affected.”
The governor praised EKSEMA for conducting prompt assessments and verification of affected communities, as well as maintaining transparency in the intervention process.
He also acknowledged the contributions of local government chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders and NEMA to grassroots awareness campaigns and disaster prevention efforts.
The General Manager of EKSEMA, Mr Oludare Asaolu, urged residents to support government efforts aimed at reducing the impact of flooding and rainstorms across the state.
According to Asaolu, the government has committed substantial resources since 2022 to helping disaster victims recover their losses and conducting sensitisation campaigns across the state’s 16 local government areas.
He cautioned residents and developers against constructing buildings on waterways and flood-prone locations, adding that EKSEMA would continue monitoring vulnerable areas and taking preventive steps to minimise disasters.
“We have to be cautious of rainstorms and flooding. These can cause serious economic crises for us. It is not about water disasters alone; we should be careful of fire in our homes.
“Many houses have been burnt due to electrical sparks. This is another reason you should switch off your appliances while leaving home and correct all electrical faults to prevent fire outbreaks that can destroy your property.”
Also speaking, the NEMA Head of Operations for Ekiti and Ondo states, Mr Olanrewaju Kazeem, said NIMET had forecast heavier rainfall in September.
He said the prediction “makes it imperative for the people to take measures that can safeguard their property.”