By Sade Adewale
The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami, has described the intervention by the National Emergency Management Agency for victims of recent floods and other natural disasters in the state as a dividend of democracy.
Adelami, who was represented by his Permanent Secretary, Mr. Fedrick Orunko, further said the intervention demonstrated the commitment of the state and Federal Governments to identifying with residents during periods of hardship and providing support to those affected by disasters.
He recalled that several communities across Ondo State, including parts of Akure and Owo, were severely affected by flooding, while other areas across the state also experienced the impact of natural disasters.
According to him, the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency, under his supervision, promptly mobilised to the affected areas to assess the extent of the damage.
Adelami explained that the findings from the assessment were documented and forwarded to NEMA in Abuja, adding that the relief materials and other assistance being distributed were a direct response to the report submitted by the state.
He described the intervention as a result of the collaboration between the Ondo State Government and NEMA and commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for supporting efforts to assist residents affected by natural disasters.
The Deputy Governor said the governor had also approved funds to support communities affected by windstorms, floods and other natural disasters across the state.
Adelami expressed appreciation to NEMA and the Federal Government for partnering with the Ondo State Government to provide relief to disaster victims, describing the intervention as a significant demonstration of government’s responsibility to the people.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said the agency was intensifying sensitisation and mitigation efforts to reduce the impact of flooding in Ondo State.
Umar said NEMA received reports of devastating flooding earlier this month in Akure South, Akure North and Ilaje Local Government Areas, prompting the agency to assess the affected communities and provide relief to victims.
She explained that NEMA had earlier sensitised residents after the Nigerian Meteorological Agency predicted heavy rainfall capable of causing flooding.
According to her, while flooding could not always be prevented, its impact could be mitigated through early warning, proper drainage and responsible environmental practices.
Umar urged residents to stop blocking waterways and drainage channels, stressing that poor maintenance of drainages contributed significantly to flooding.
The Director-General disclosed that work was ongoing in Ilaje to clear blocked drainage channels, expressing optimism that the intervention would prevent a recurrence of the recent flooding.
She added that although flooding was partly a natural occurrence, the extent of its impact could be reduced if residents kept their drainage systems clear and maintained a clean environment.
Speaking earlier, one of the beneficiaries of the flood relief intervention, Mr Kayode Olanrewaju, called on the government to address the root causes of flooding in his community rather than relying solely on relief materials to assist victims.
The beneficiary, who spoke about the impact of the flooding, said the situation was worsened by drainage channels constructed during the development of Ogba Road, which he alleged directed water towards residential areas.
According to him, residents had raised the matter with the authorities and were promised that an excavator would be brought in to address the drainage problem, but no action had been taken for about four years.
Olanrewaju said the flooding had caused significant losses to residents, adding that several complaints had been made without any meaningful intervention to alleviate their suffering.
While appreciating the relief provided by the government, the beneficiary stressed that the intervention should go beyond the distribution of palliatives.
He urged the government to visit the affected areas, assess the extent of the damage and take steps to rehabilitate or compensate victims for their losses.
Olanrewaju appealed for urgent action to prevent a recurrence of the flooding and protect residents from further losses.