Ekiti Disburses Relief Materials, Cash Grants to Fresh Batch of Fire, Rainstorm Victims

The Ekiti State Government has distributed cash grants and relief materials to another batch of victims of fire and rainstorm disasters across the state as part of efforts to cushion the effects of the incidents and support affected persons in rebuilding their lives.

Speaking during the distribution exercise in Ado-Ekiti, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, represented by the Permanent Secretary in her Office ,Mr. Leke Adefolaju, said the gesture underscored the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to the welfare of residents.

Afuye said the intervention was aimed not only at providing financial assistance and relief materials but also at restoring hope to victims and helping them recover from their losses.

She described Oyebanji as a compassionate and responsive leader committed to standing with the people during difficult times.

“Government may not be able to replace everything that has been lost, but we are committed to supporting our people to recover, regain stability and move forward with renewed courage and confidence,” he said.

She  explained that the cash grants presented to fire disaster victims were intended to provide immediate relief and assist beneficiaries in restarting their businesses and livelihoods.

The Deputy Governor added that the roofing sheets, planks and nails distributed to victims of rainstorm disasters would enable affected families to repair damaged homes and protect them from further hardship.

Earlier, the Chairman of the SEMA Board, Alhaji Ademola Bello, lauded the state government for supporting vulnerable residents and ensuring affected persons benefitted from government interventions.

He urged residents to avoid careless storage of combustible materials in homes and business premises to prevent fire outbreaks.

In his keynote address ,the General Manager of the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Oludare Asaolu, commended the governor for prioritising the welfare of residents through prompt intervention for disaster victims.

Asaolu disclosed that from 2022 to date, the state government had provided assistance worth over N224.56 million to rainstorm victims and N184.6 million to victims of fire outbreaks across the state.

He added that the governor recently approved an additional N136.24 million for residents affected by rainstorms in Ijero, Ikere and other parts of the state earlier this year.

“The relief materials being distributed today may not completely replace what was lost, but they represent hope, solidarity and the assurance that government stands firmly with its citizens in difficult times,” he said.

In her goodwill message,the 

 the State Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi represented by the a Director in her Office , Mr. Lawrence Alesin advised residents to switch off electrical appliances when leaving their homes and engage qualified electricians for repairs.

The Head of Operations, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ondo and Ekiti states, Mr. Kofoworola Sholeye, represented by Mr. Shina Abogunja, sensitised residents on proper waste disposal and cautioned against blocking waterways.

He also encouraged residents to plant trees around their homes to serve as windbreaks during heavy storms.

The Director of the Ekiti State Fire Service, Mr. Famosaya Andrew, urged residents to comply with safety guidelines to reduce future occurrences.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Samuel Ologunja, expressed appreciation to the state government, describing the intervention as timely and commendable.

He said the proactive support was unprecedented and had brought relief to many affected families.