Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has disbursed cash and materials worth N105 million to 159 rainstorm and flood victims in the state, urging residents to heed the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) warning.

Mr Oyebanji gave the charge on Thursday during the distribution of relief materials to victims affected by the rainstorm and flood in Ado-Ekiti.

The governor expressed worries over the upsurge of rainstorm and flooding occurrences in recent times, which he attributed to laxity and indiscretion on the part of many property owners.

Mr Oyebanji, represented by the deputy governor, Monisade Afuye, urged residents to stop blocking the waterways, noting that such acts could disrupt the natural flow of water and force it into communities, roads and farmland.

He said that NiMet in its 2026 well-publicised rain prediction recently captured Ekiti as one of the states likely to witness flooding as the raining season assumes its peak, which could lead to destruction of property and death.

The governor regretted how the people’s property was being destroyed, turning house owners into refuge seekers due to displacement suffered through flooding and rainstorm attacks, saying only collective efforts could prevent such disaster.

“In recent months, many of our communities have experienced the devastating effects of flooding and destructive rainstorms.

“Homes were destroyed, farmlands washed away, and families displaced. Behind every damaged roof and collapsed wall is a story of pain and hardship.

“Let me appeal to all Ekiti people: climate change is real. We must desist from building on waterways. We must clear our drainages and take early warning information from the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (EKSEMA) and NiMet seriously. Prevention is far better and cheaper than cure,” Mr Oyebanji said.

The governor said that his government, from the year 2022 till date, had assisted victims of rainstorms with a total sum of N460.8 million, while victims of fire disaster received assistance worth N184.6 million.

He commended EKSEMA for the swift assessment, verification and transparent process and applauded the local government chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their collaborations and support for grassroots sensitisation.

Apart from cash, other relief materials distributed were roofing sheets, bags of cement, roofing nails, planks and consumables.

Speaking, the General Manager of EKSEMA, Oludare Asaolu, said the government had expended huge amounts to help the victims rebuild their losses and embarked on sensitisation programmes across the state to mitigate flooding and rainstorm attacks.

Mr Asaolu promised that the agency would continue to monitor the situation and take proactive actions that will reduce natural disasters in the state.

Also contributing, NEMA head of operations in Ekiti and Ondo States, Olanrewaju Kazim, said NiMet had predicted more torrential rainfall in September, which he said makes it imperative for the people to take measures that could safeguard their property.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, a former chairman of the Ekiti South-West Local Government Area, Lanre Omolase, commended the government for the intervention, saying it would go a long way in helping them to rebuild their losses and begin a new life. 

(NAN)