Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, said on Thursday that his administration had expended N645.4m to support victims of rainstorm and fire disasters in the state between 2022 and 2026.
The governor, who bemoaned the devastating effects of flooding, rainstorms and fire disasters on victims, advised residents to take the warnings of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, the National Emergency Management Agency and the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency seriously.
Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, spoke in Ado Ekiti on Thursday while disbursing cash and relief materials worth N105m to 159 rainstorm and flood victims in the state.
Besides cash, other relief materials distributed at the event included roofing sheets, bags of cement, wood planks, roofing nails, food items and other consumables.
The governor appealed to Ekiti residents to take precautionary measures against disasters.
“Climate change is real. We must desist from building on waterways. We must clear our drainages and take early warning information from EKSEMA and NIMET seriously. Prevention is far better and cheaper than cure,” he said.
NIMET, in its widely publicised 2026 rainfall prediction, identified Ekiti as one of the states likely to experience flooding as the rainy season reached its peak. It consequently advised residents to clear their drainages and stop blocking waterways to ensure free flow of water.
The governor said, “This administration, from the year 2022 to date, has assisted victims of rainstorms with a total sum of N460.8m, while victims of fire disasters received assistance worth N184.6m.”
He bemoaned the recent upsurge in rainstorms and flooding, which he attributed to laxity and indiscretion on the part of some property owners.
He said, “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.
“But today, again, we are here to say government sees you. Government feels your pain. And government is with you. This administration remains committed to the welfare and well-being of every Ekiti citizen.
“That is why, upon receiving reports from EKSEMA, we immediately approved this intervention to bring succour to those affected.”
Oyebanji commended EKSEMA for its swift assessment, verification and transparent process, while applauding local government chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders and NEMA for their collaboration and support for grassroots sensitisation and campaigns.
The EKSEMA General Manager, Mr Oludare Asaolu, canvassed stronger support for the success of the government’s anti-flooding campaigns.
Asaolu said the government had expended huge amounts to assist victims in rebuilding their losses since 2022 and to spearhead sensitisation programmes across the 16 local government areas on ways to mitigate flooding and rainstorms.
The SEMA boss warned residents and developers against building on waterways and flood-prone areas, promising that his agency would continue to monitor situations and take proactive measures to reduce natural disasters in the state.
He said, “We have to be cautious of rainstorms and flooding. These can cause serious economic crises for us. It is not about water disasters alone; we should be careful of fire in our homes.
“Many houses have been burnt due to electrical sparks. This is another reason you should switch off your appliances while leaving home and correct all electrical faults to prevent fire outbreaks that can destroy your property.”
NEMA Head of Operations in Ekiti and Ondo states, Mr Olanrewaju Kazeem, said NIMET had predicted more torrential rainfall in September, which he said “makes it imperative for the people to take measures that can safeguard their property.”
