By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

In a demonstration of compassion and a bid to help residents recover from their losses, the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has disbursed a whopping sum of N50 million to victims of fire disasters across the state.

Governor Oyebanji stated that the initiative underscored his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of Ekiti residents, reiterating his desire to run an inclusive government that eliminates neglect and marginalisation.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Oyebanji spoke in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday during the presentation of cheques to another batch of fire disaster victims.

While acknowledging that the funds may not fully cover the extent of damages suffered, the governor stressed that the gesture would ease the victims’ burdens and offer them a much-needed lifeline.

He appealed to well-meaning indigenes to always show solidarity and empathy to those affected by disasters, advising residents to adopt precautionary measures to guard against fire outbreaks, rainstorms, and flooding.

Highlighting his administration’s proactive stance, Oyebanji disclosed that victims of rainstorms in 2024 had received millions of naira in financial relief, assuring that a similar intervention would be extended to those whose buildings were recently destroyed by windstorms in the state.

“It is not common to receive this kind of support. This is the fifth time we are assisting fire disaster victims since we assumed office in 2022.

“You will recall that the state has experienced rainstorms, flooding, thunderstorms and fire disasters. The Biodun Oyebanji administration has demonstrated sincerity of purpose by not abandoning the victims. We have continued to reach out and support them.

“We are aware of the deep pain our people have endured. Though what we have provided may not fully restore what was lost, we are thankful to God that no lives were lost in the inferno.

“I extend my deepest sympathies to everyone affected. The government acknowledges your struggles and assures you that you are not alone. Rebuilding is not just about restoring structures, but about restoring lives, dignity, and the dreams that were disrupted,” he said.

In his remarks, the General Manager of the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (EKSEMA), Mr Oludare Asaolu, affirmed that the state government empathised with the victims and that ongoing interventions were aimed at alleviating their suffering.

To strengthen the state’s fire disaster response capacity, Asaolu said the government had equipped Fire Service offices across the three senatorial districts with skilled personnel and modern firefighting tools for effective service delivery.

“This government is people-centred and places premium on the welfare of citizens despite lean resources. The upgrading of our fire service infrastructure has significantly reduced damage and casualties during fire incidents,” he added.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), represented by Mrs Foluso Adetimehin, commended Governor Oyebanji for supporting the victims and pledged the federal government’s backing in addressing disaster-related challenges in Ekiti.

Expressing their gratitude, the beneficiaries, represented by Messrs Dada Oluwasiji and Joseph Chinedu, lauded the state government for the intervention, pledging their continued support for the success of its policies and programmes.

The event was attended by a member of the State House of Assembly, Hon Kareem Akunbiade; Chairman of EKSEMA Board, Alhaji Ademola Bello; Special Adviser, Office of Transformation and Delivery, Dr Moyo Ekundayo; and Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr Abayomi Opeyemi, among others.