By Justus Adetomiwa, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has disclosed that his administration has disbursed about N680 million to victims of fire and rainstorm disasters across the state in the last two years.
Oyebanji stated this in Ado-Ekiti while distributing cheques worth N40 million and food items to another batch of victims of fire and rainstorm disasters from some local government areas of the state.
The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, said the intervention was part of the administration’s welfare and social intervention programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable residents who suffered losses as a result of disasters.
He said N205 million had been disbursed to victims of fire disasters, while N436 million was given to victims of rainstorms within the period under review.
According to him, the latest N40 million intervention brings the total amount spent on disaster victims to about N680 million.
Oyebanji said the distribution of the cheques and relief materials demonstrated the government’s commitment to the welfare and safety of residents, assuring victims that the government would continue to support them in times of distress.
He urged residents to take precautionary measures against disasters, particularly during the rainy season.
The governor advised residents to avoid indiscriminate construction on waterways, ensure proper handling of electrical appliances and promptly report emerging hazards to relevant authorities.
He said, “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.”
Oyebanji sympathised with victims of the disasters, urging them not to despair over their losses.
He assured them that the administration would continue to explore ways of supporting vulnerable residents and strengthening the state’s disaster response mechanisms.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Head of Operations 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 with the Federal Government, while calling for effective policies and programmes to reduce the incidence and impact of natural and human-induced disasters.
Also, the General Manager of the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Oludare Asaolu, said the government was concerned about the damage disasters caused to buildings, farmlands, business premises and other property.
Asaolu urged residents to take necessary precautions to prevent avoidable disasters, describing the latest intervention as a direct effort by the government to alleviate the suffering of affected persons.