Ekiti Govt Spends N680m on Disaster Victims in Two Years — Oyebanji ...as NEMA, SEMA offer safety tips against flooding, fire outbreaks

 

Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti has said that his administration disbursed N680 million in the last two years to support victims of fire and rainstorm disasters across the state.

Oyebanji said the intervention was part of his administration's welfare and social intervention programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable residents who suffered sudden losses from disasters.

The governor stated this on Thursday while distributing cheques worth N40 million and food items to another set of victims of fire and rainstorm disasters from some local government areas of the state.

Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, also urged residents to take precautionary measures against disasters, particularly by avoiding indiscriminate construction on waterways and ensuring the proper handling of electrical appliances.

He said the loss of property, businesses and means of livelihood to disasters could be devastating, stressing that no amount of assistance could completely replace what victims had lost.

The governor, however, assured the affected persons of the government's continued support in times of distress.

Giving a breakdown of the interventions, Oyebanji said N205 million had been distributed to victims of fire disasters, while N436 million was disbursed to victims of rainstorms during the period.

According to him, the latest intervention of N40 million brings the total amount spent on supporting disaster victims in the state to about N680 million.

“Today's intervention demonstrates the commitment of the Oyebanji administration to the welfare, safety and wellbeing of the people.

“The distribution of these cheques and relief materials is a demonstration of compassion, responsibility and our shared commitment to ensuring that no citizen is left alone in the face of disaster.

“I use this opportunity to encourage our people to remain vigilant, especially during the rainy season.

“We should take precautionary measures, avoid activities that may expose us to unnecessary risks and promptly report emerging hazards to the appropriate authorities,” he said.

Oyebanji urged the beneficiaries not to despair over their losses, assuring them that his administration would continue to explore ways of supporting vulnerable residents and strengthening disaster response mechanisms.

“As a government, we will continue to strengthen disaster preparedness, prevention, response and recovery across the state.

“Our goal is to build a safer and more resilient Ekiti where communities are better prepared to withstand emergencies and recover quickly when disasters occur.

“I sympathise with all the victims of fire disasters and rainstorms. I pray that this intervention will bring some relief and enable the affected families to begin the process of rebuilding their lives,” he said.

The Head of Operations of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for Ekiti and Ondo states, Mr Kazeem Olanrewaju, commended the state government for its partnership with the agency.

Olanrewaju assured the state of continued collaboration by the Federal Government and called for effective policies and programmes to reduce the incidence and impact of natural and human-induced disasters.

He said the Federal Government was concerned about the increasing number of Nigerians affected by disasters, including incidents that had resulted in loss of lives and property.

Also speaking, the General Manager of the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr Oludare Asaolu, said the state government was concerned about the havoc caused by disasters to buildings, farmlands, business premises and other property.

Asaolu urged residents to always take necessary precautions to prevent avoidable disasters, describing the intervention as a direct effort by the government to alleviate the suffering of affected persons.

He assured residents that the agency would continue to discharge its responsibility of preventing and managing disaster cases effectively and transparently.

The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, said the government had taken far-reaching steps to prevent disasters in the state.

He listed such measures as the clearing of waterways, public sensitisation, mass mobilisation and adequate funding of SEMA.

Olatunbosun assured residents that the Oyebanji administration would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to reduce the occurrence of disasters and provide relief materials and cash support to victims to assist them in rebuilding their lives.