… As storm blows off another 300 houses in Ekiti towns

By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has lamented the increasing spate of rainstorms causing colossal destruction to buildings and electrical facilities in the state, rendering hundreds of citizens homeless and plunging them into perpetual darkness.

Oyebanji spoke on Thursday while inspecting some buildings that were destroyed by a rainstorm in Oye, Ayede, and Ilupeju Ekiti, in Oye Local Government Area, where over 300 rooftops were blown off during a stormy downpour that wreaked havoc on Tuesday evening.

The Governor was accompanied to the towns by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (EKSEMA).

Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, sympathised with the victims, assuring them that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration would not abandon them to suffer.

Commenting on the massive disaster, the Governor said he had earlier visited Ipoti, Odo-Owa, Igbemo, Iyin, Ifaki, Ilawe, and other affected towns for similar assessments, reinforcing the impression that such disasters were becoming a recurring decimal tormenting the populace.

Oyebanji lamented how the rainstorm had pulled down electricity facilities, leaving residents with no hope of power supply anytime soon, describing this as a serious impediment to the growth of the local economy.

“I am worried about the increasing level of rainstorms and the destruction of buildings in our towns in recent times. What worries me the most is the rate at which people are being rendered homeless. I am not happy about this.

“As I always say, let us embrace a culture of maintenance for our buildings before the rainy season begins. This will go a long way in preventing our buildings from being affected because replacing old planks and corrugated sheets will help resist storms.

“Planting trees around residential areas is also a way to prevent this kind of occurrence. The government has been sensitising people on this, and we expect them to key into such preventive measures.

“Whatever happens, we will not abandon our people to suffer. The government will conduct an enumeration of affected buildings and provide the necessary support where needed.”

Expressing discontent over the incident, the Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti, Oba David Akingbade, who appreciated the visit, called on the government to assist those affected by the storm so they could rebuild their structures in good time.

Another high-profile traditional ruler in the council, the Attah of Ayede Ekiti, Oba Abdulmumini Orisagbemi, regretted the damage done to buildings and electrical fittings in his community, saying these would automatically affect the economy of his subjects.