The state government of Ekiti has issued a warning to construction developers not to erect structures on waterways and canals in an effort to prevent flooding incidents in the state in accordance with the warning issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET).
The administration claimed it had seen that the prevalence of such a behavior was substantially to blame for the rise in the number of repeated flooding incidents and willful property destruction in the state.
Monisade Afuye, the deputy governor, said the speed with which the governor of Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji, responded to the victims of the rainstorm in Oke- Ako and Ijesa Isu Ekiti, on Wednesday, demonstrated how passionate he was about the wellbeing of the state’s residents.
The Deputy Governor in a statement by her Media Aide, Victor Ogunje, clarified that it was flagrantly against the modus operandi of NEMA to present cash to those whose houses were damaged by a storm, saying only victims of arson could enjoy such privilege.
Afuye stressed further that only those who had rehabilitated their buildings before the presentation would receive cash while others will receive relief materials to rebuild their structures.
She urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the materials while appealing to developers to embrace tree planting and comply with the urban renewal policies of the Ekiti State government to avert future calamities of this nature.
Mrs Afuye said, “By the coming of rains in the year, some of our people fell victim of rainstorms and floods. Roofs of some buildings were either completely or partially blown off while some collapsed. Citizens and residents suffered the ugly effects of these natural disasters in varying degrees.
“As a responsible and responsive government, Governor Oyebanji approved funds to purchase relief materials to provide succour to victims of these disasters. It is believed that the distribution will help in ameliorating their sufferings.
“This phase of distribution is targeted at victims of rainstorms in Oke Ako in Ajoni Local Council Development Area and Ijesa Isu in Kajola LCDA.
“May I seize this opportunity to sympathise with the victims, who are the direct beneficiaries of today’s event? I equally advise the citizens of this state to put in place measures that will reduce incidences of flooding and rainstorm in our environment.
“You should avoid building on drainages, close to streams and rivers. Clear your drainages always and encourage the planting of trees to serve as windbreakers. It is often said that prevention is better and cheaper than cure.
The NEMA’s Head of Operations, Southwest Region, Mr. Olanrewaju Kadiri, said the fact that no life was lost in the traumatic incidences in the two towns was heartwarming.
Kadiri urged the Ekiti residents to always cooperate with NEMA staff during assessments of damaged property rather than being hostile or combative due to social and economic pressures.
Addressing the beneficiaries, General Manager, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Olajide Borode, described the effects of the rainstorm in the two towns as highly devastating and excruciating.
Borode saluted the federal government and its resolve to partner with governments at the subnational to palliate the sufferings of the victims, particularly Governor Biodun Oyebanji, whose prompt responses have been a source of inspiration to the populace.
The Chairmen of Kajola and Ajoni Local Council Development Areas(LCDAs), Idowu Adebayo and Michael Ogungbemi respectively, appreciated the governor for his quick response to the people of their councils, saying this was not surprising owing to the fact the governor was well groomed for the act of governance.
“We salute Mr Governor’s love for Ekiti people and for approving money to rebuild the damaged property. This was a mark of good leadership and we appreciate his excellency for this show of compassion and love”.
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