…Pledges support for victims

By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has charged landlords to maintain their buildings as the rainy season approaches, following a rainstorm that wreaked havoc on over 50 buildings in Ipoti, Ejiyan, Owatedo, and Odo Owa Ekiti, in Ijero Local Government Area, on Wednesday evening.

Oyebanji said regular maintenance of facilities in old buildings remains the best option to avert the annual rainstorms being experienced in some towns, which render many homeless and leave scores economically drained.

He gave the charge in the affected communities on Thursday during an on-the-spot assessment of the buildings blown off by the hurricane on Wednesday during a stormy downpour.

Buildings affected include residential homes, shops, and educational institutions.

The governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, sympathised with the victims and promised to initiate a process to provide assistance in repairing their damaged buildings in record time.

He bemoaned the recurring rainstorms in Ekiti and how many residents have been rendered homeless due to this devastating occurrence.

The governor challenged landlords to take precautions by repairing damaged roofs and replacing weak planks that could predispose their homes to destruction.

As part of measures to mitigate such occurrences, Oyebanji encouraged tree planting around residential areas to serve as windbreakers during stormy rainfall, urging the traditional institution to propagate such practices among grassroots communities.

“I am really saddened seeing people being homeless as a result of the rainstorm. Moving around the town, you could see that the disaster was too much. We are promising you, on behalf of the government, that officers of the State Emergency Management Agency will visit and assess the buildings to evaluate the damage. We are going to help you. God shall heal your wounds.

“When something like this happened at Oke Ako Ekiti, the governor approved about N50m to rebuild the damaged buildings, likewise in other towns like Ijesa Isu, Omu, and Ijelu communities.

“Though we thank God that there is no loss of life—that is our joy in this matter—the destruction was extensive. But we need the rains to sustain our lives and farming. However, we must take necessary precautions to prevent damage to our buildings,” Oyebanji counselled.

Applauding the government for its swift response, the Olupoti of Ipoti, Oba Oladipupo Kolade, and the Oloja-Owa of Owatedo, Oba Adebayo Adewole, described the calamity as heartrending, stressing the need for people to maintain their buildings to prevent such disasters.

Specifically, the Olupoti, Oba Kolade, said:

“I nearly cried while going around yesterday to assess the level of damage. Women and children were the most affected, which makes the situation even more worrisome.

“I want to appreciate the governor for being proactive in attending to this emergency in record time. He has once again demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of Ekiti people, and we are expecting the government’s assistance soon to provide relief for the victims,” the monarch stated.

Expressing grief over the incident, the Olowa of Odo Owa Ekiti, Oba Gideon Oyedeji, said those affected are poor people who need urgent help to repair their damaged buildings and restore hope.

“We appreciate the government for its concern and the promise to assist the victims. We recognise the value of what the government is doing, particularly in securing our lives, so that we can sleep peacefully and access our farms. We are grateful for all these.”

Accompanying the governor on the visit were the lawmaker representing Ijero Constituency, Hon. Ademola Ojo; Chairman of Irede Local Council Development Area, Hon. Ayo Awe; political office holders; traditional leaders; and other dignitaries.