By Ralph Oluwatoyin
To avert incidences of flooding in Ekiti State in line with the warning handed down by Nigerian Meterioligical Agency (NIMET), the Ekiti State Government, has warned building developers against erecting their structures on waterways and canals.
The government, said it has noticed that the preponderance of such habit, was largely responsible for the exponential increase in the recurrent cases of flooding and wanton destruction of property in the state.
The Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, who spoke in Ado Ekiti, while distributing cash and relief materials to rainstorm victims in Oke- Ako and Ijesa Isu Ekiti, said the promptness with which Governor Biodun Oyebanji responded to the victims , confirmed how passionate he was to the wellbeing of Ekiti citizens.
Materials distributed at the programme co-financed by the government and the National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA) were :roofing planks, corrugated sheets, roofing nails, and consumables like rice, beans, garri, among others.
The Deputy Governor, in a statement by his Media Aide, Victor Ogunje, clarified that it was flagrantly against the modus operandi of NEMA to present cash to those whose houses were damaged by storm, saying only victims of arson could enjoy such privilege.
Mrs Afuye stressed further that only those who had rehabilitated their buildings before the presentation would receive cash, while others will receive relief materials to rebuild their structures.
She urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the materials, while appealing to developers to embrace tree planting and compliance with the urban renewal policies of Ekiti State government to avert future calamity of this nature.
Mrs Afuye said; “By the coming of rain in the year, some of our people fell victim of rainstorm and floods. Roofs of some buildings were either completely or partially blown off, while some collapsed. Citizens and residents suffered the ugly effects of these natural disasters in varying degrees.
“As a responsible and responsive government, Governor Oyebanji approved fund to purchase relief materials to provide succour to victims of these disasters. It is believed that the distribution will help in ameliorating their sufferings.
“This phase of distribution is targeted at victims of rainstorm in Oke Ako in Ajoni Local Council Development Area and Ijesa Isu in Kajola LCDA.
“May I seize this opportunity to sympathise with the victims, who are the direct beneficiaries of today’s event. I equally advise the citizens of this state to put in place measures that will reduce incidences of flooding and rainstorm in our environment.
“You should avoid building on drainages , close to streams and rivers. Clear your drainages always and encourage planting of trees to serve as wind breakers . It is often said that prevention is better and cheaper than cure.
“I appreciate Governor Oyebanji for providing the required fund needed to provide these materials and the federal government through NEMA for providing the food items”.
The NEMA’s Head of Operations, Southwest Region, Mr. Olanrewaju Kadiri, said the fact that no life was lost in the traumatic incidences in the two towns were heartwarming.
Kadiri urged the Ekiti residents to always cooperate with NEMA’s staff during assessment of damaged property, rather than being hostile or combative due to social and economic pressures.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the General Manager, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Olajide Borode, described the effects of the rainstorm in the two towns as high devastating and excruciating.
Borode saluted the federal government and its resolve to partner governments at the subnational to palliate the sufferings of the victims, particularly Governor Biodun Oyebanji, whose prompt responses have been source of inspiration to the populace.
The Chairmen of Kajola and Ajoni Local Council Development Areas(LCDAs), Hons. Idowu Adebayo and Michael Ogungbemi respectively, appreciated the governor for his quick response to the people of their councils, saying this was not surprising owing to fact the governor was well groomed for the act of governance.
“We salute Mr Governor’s love for Ekiti people and for approving money to rebuild the the damaged property. This was a mark of good leadership and we appreciate his excellency for this show of compassion and love”.
