Ekiti spent N680m on fire, rainstorm vctims in two years, Oyebanji says

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ekiti State Government has spent about N680 million to assist residents affected by fire and rainstorm disasters across the state in the last two years, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has said.

Oyebanji disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti while presenting cheques totalling N40 million and relief materials to another batch of disaster victims from some local government areas.

Represented by his deputy, Monisade Afuye, the governor said the intervention was part of the administration’s welfare and social programmes designed to cushion the effects of disasters on vulnerable residents.

He explained that N205 million had so far been given to victims of fire incidents, while N436 million was distributed to those affected by rainstorms during the period under review.

Oyebanji said the latest N40 million support had raised the government’s total intervention for disaster victims to approximately N680 million, adding that his administration remained committed to protecting residents and assisting those affected by emergencies.

He urged residents to take preventive measures, particularly during the rainy season, by keeping waterways free from obstruction, handling electrical appliances carefully and reporting potential hazards to the appropriate authorities.

“As a government, we will continue to strengthen disaster preparedness, prevention, response and recovery across the state. Our goal is to build a safer and more resilient Ekiti where communities are better prepared to withstand emergencies and recover quickly,” he said.

In his remarks, the NEMA Head of Operations for Ekiti and Ondo states, Kazeem Olanrewaju, commended the state government for its partnership with the agency and pledged continued collaboration, while the General Manager of the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Oludare Asaolu, urged residents to adopt safety measures to prevent avoidable disasters.