Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti has disbursed N50 million to the victims of fire disasters across the state.

Mr Oyebanji distributed cheques to the victims on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti.

The governor said the action was due to the commitment of his administration to the plights of Ekiti residents.

Mr Oyebanji, represented by the deputy governor, Monisade Afuye, noted that what the government was offering might not be enough to cover the losses, but the gesture would help in mitigating the sufferings of the victims.

The governor appealed to well meaning indigenes to always exhibit solidarity and empathy toward those who suffered any disaster, advising residents to take precaution to reducing disasters in the state.

“We are aware that the pains have been so much for our people, we know that whatever we have provided may not be enough to guarantee full recovery from the losses. We are grateful to God that the inferno did not claim lives.

“I extend my deepest sympathies to everyone affected. The government recognises your struggles and we assure you that you are not alone.

“We understand that rebuilding is not just about structures, it is about restoring lives, dignity and the dreams that were disrupted,” Mr Oyebanji said.

In his remarks, the general manager, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (EKSEMA), Oludare Asaolu, said the state government shared the pains of the victims and that the actions were to mitigate their sufferings.

He said the government had retooled the state fire service offices across the three senatorial districts for effective service delivery.

“This government is emphatic and prioritising the welfare of the people despite the paucity of funds, and the fortification of our fire fighting offices have helped to reduce the level of damage and reduce the number of casualties during fire incidents,” Mr Asaolu said.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), represented by Foluso Adetimehin, commended the governor for supporting the victims, pledging the backing of the federal government to the state to overcome disaster challenges.

The beneficiaries, represented by Dada Oluwasiji and M

Joseph Chinedu, commended the government for the gesture, pledging that the victims would continually support the government in its programmes.

(NAN)