The Ondo government has begun distributing relief materials, earlier received from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to flood victims in the state to alleviate the effect of the 2022 flood.

Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, during the distribution process, on Monday in Akure, commended the federal government agency for the support and promised that the beneficiaries would make judicious use of the items.

The federal government (FG) had, on October 20, handed over 292.4 metric tons of grains to the Ondo State government for victims of various flood disasters in the state from the approved 12,000 metric tons from the National Strategic Reserve Stock for distribution to all states and the FCT.

President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered NEMA to start the distribution of grains from strategic reserves to the affected states in the country.

According to Mr Aiyedatiwa, the relief materials distributed included bags of rice and beans, kegs of vegetable oil, maize and salt, cartons of seasoning cubes and tin tomatoes, among others.

The deputy governor, represented by the secretary, Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA), Femi Obideyi, said the items would go a long way to assist the affected victims.

“We are very happy with the presidency for the gesture and these are the items given to us by the FG from the grains reserve.

“And we have begun the onward distribution to the affected victims directly,” he said.

The head of NEMA, Ekiti Operation Office, Olarenwaju Kadiri, said 1,000 victims had benefited from the initiative in Ondo State, with 6,000 others in sight.

Mr Kadiri said there is a need for the government at all levels to take proactive measures that would substantially reduce flood disasters.

A beneficiary and resident of Akure, Jide Adesuyi, said his house was destroyed by rain storms and floods early this year and appreciated the government for remembering them.

Another beneficiary, James Kolawole, thanked the state government and NEMA for the intervention, which would greatly alleviate their suffering.

A traditional ruler, Olurese of Irese Community, Oba Saka Ahmed, also thanked the federal government for the initiative and assured that the items given to him would get to the victims directly involved in his community. 

(NAN)