The Ekiti State government in partnership with the National Emergency
Management Agency(NEMA), on Tuesday, distributed relief materials to
victims of fire and flood disasters, assuring that no one will be
neglected after suffering devastation from natural disasters of any
kind in the state.
The government warned residents against indiscriminate blocking of
waterways, reckless bush burning and laxity in handling of electrical
appliances in homes, to avert occurrences that could trigger flooding
and fire that could destroy property in Ekiti.
The Ekiti State Deputy Governor , Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said
this in Ado Ekiti, at the official flag off of the second phase of
the distribution of relief materials to victims of various forms of
disasters in the state.
Material distributed to victims included : cement, rice, consumables,
clothing materials , asbestos , roofing nails, among others.
Mrs Afuye said a total of 1000 victims benefited relief packages
during the first phase of the programme last year November, appealing
that taking of cautious steps by residents would help the state
mitigate the occurrence of disasters in Ekiti.
The Deputy Governor assured the that Governor Biodun Oyebanji will
continue to help the victims of disasters, saying nobody will be
neglected on account of losing his property without getting
palliatives.
She said: “The intervention from government cannot commensurate with
whatever you have lost to disasters. However, we hope the materials
will go a long way to ameliorate your sufferings. In light of this, I
will like to implore all of you to value whatever you are given.
“I want to acknowledge the resilience and strength that the affected
communities and people have demonstrated in the face of this disaster.
It take immense courage to keep going in the face of such devastation,
and we admire and respect the determination of victims to rebuild
their lives.
“I wish to emphasize the need for all the citizens of this state to
guide against actions that can cause flood and fire disasters in their
homes, offices, working places , markets and farms.
“You should ensure that your environment is clean and drainages are
cleared of wastes. Always switch off your electrical appliances while
leaving your homes. You must resist every temptation to store petrol
in your homes or other vulnerable places.
“Indiscriminate bush burning should be avoided, especially with the
current unpleasant temperature . Let me appreciate Governor Oyebanji
for his love and support for Ekiti people, particularly the
vulnerables. The governor has been responding promptly to every
request made in respect to intervention needed by disaster victims.
“I urge the management of State Emergency Management Agency(SEMA) to
do their parts by ensuring that the relief materials reach the
intended beneficiaries. Let us all work together to ensure that no one
is left behind and that the materials are distributed fairly and
equitably”.
In his submission, the Director General of NEMA, Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed
Habib, commiserated with Ekiti people over the unfortunate flood that
ravaged the state and destroyed property of scores of residents in
recent time.
Ahmed, represented by the NEMA’s Head of Operations for Ekiti, Ondo
and Osun States, Mr. Olanrewaju Quadri, revealed that the global
climate change was having a toll on the ecosystem and causing
unpredictable weather , which he said makes it imperative for
collaborative efforts to tame the emerging dangerous weather status .
“This emergency challenge calls for concerned efforts on Disaster Risk
Reduction and enhanced collaboration between emergency response
providers at community, local, state and federal levels towards
efficient and effective disaster preparedness , prevention, mitigation
and response.
“I want to assure you of NEMA’s willingness to sustain the
collaboration with Ekiti State government to explore long term and
more sustainable solutions to both natural and human induced
disasters” .
The SEMA’s General Manager in Ekiti, Mr. Olajide Borode, lamented
about how disasters have “resulted in loss of lives, displacement,
loss of means of livelihoods, and socio-economic dislocation, hence
the delivery of these relief materials and we will ensure even
distribution to the victims”.
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