. By Teniola Blessing.
The Ekiti State government in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA), has distributed relief materials to victims of fire and flood disasters, assuring that no one will be neglected after suffering devastation from natural disasters of any kind in the state.
The government warned residents against indiscriminate blocking of waterways, reckless bush burning and laxity in handling of electrical appliances in homes, to avert occurrences that could trigger flooding and fire that could destroy property in Ekiti.
The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said this in Ado Ekiti, at the official flag off of the second phase of the distribution of relief materials to victims of various forms of disasters in the state.
Material distributed to victims included: cement, rice, consumables, clothing materials, asbestos, roofing nails, among others.
Mrs Afuye said a total of 1000 victims benefitted relief packages during the first phase of the programme last year November, appealing that taking of cautious steps by residents would help the state mitigate the occurrence of disasters in Ekiti.
The Deputy Governor assured the that Governor Biodun Oyebanji will continue to help the victims of disasters, saying nobody will be neglected on account of losing his property without getting palliatives.
She said: “The intervention from government cannot commensurate with whatever you have lost to disasters. However, we hope the materials will go a long way to ameliorate your sufferings. In light of this, I will like to implore all of you to value whatever you are given.
“I want to acknowledge the resilience and strength that the affected communities and people have demonstrated in the face of this disaster. It take immense courage to keep going in the face of such devastation, and we admire and respect the determination of victims to rebuild their lives.
“I wish to emphasize the need for all the citizens of this state to guide against actions that can cause flood and fire disasters in their homes, offices, working places , markets and farms.
“You should ensure that your environment is clean and drainages are cleared of wastes. Always switch off your electrical appliances while leaving your homes. You must resist every temptation to store petrol in your homes or other vulnerable places.
“Indiscriminate bush burning should be avoided, especially with the current unpleasant temperature . Let me appreciate Governor Oyebanji for his love and support for Ekiti people, particularly the vulnerables. The governor has been responding promptly to every request made in respect to intervention needed by disaster victims.
“I urge the management of State Emergency Management Agency(SEMA) to do their parts by ensuring that the relief materials reach the intended beneficiaries. Let us all work together to ensure that no one is left behind and that the materials are distributed fairly and equitably”.
In his submission, the Director General of NEMA, Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed Habib, commiserated with Ekiti people over the unfortunate flood that ravaged the state and destroyed property of scores of residents in recent time.
Ahmed, represented by the NEMA’s Head of Operations for Ekiti, Ondo and Osun States, Mr. Olanrewaju Quadri, revealed that the global climate change was having a toll on the ecosystem and causing unpredictable weather , which he said makes it imperative for collaborative efforts to tame the emerging dangerous weather status .
“This emergency challenge calls for concerned efforts on Disaster Risk Reduction and enhanced collaboration between emergency response providers at community, local, state and federal levels towards efficient and effective disaster preparedness , prevention, mitigation and response.
“I want to assure you of NEMA’s willingness to sustain the collaboration with Ekiti State government to explore long term and more sustainable solutions to both natural and human induced disasters” .
The SEMA’s General Manager in Ekiti, Mr. Olajide Borode, lamented about how disasters have “resulted in loss of lives, displacement, loss of means of livelihoods, and socio-economic dislocation, hence the delivery of these relief materials and we will ensure even distribution to the victims”.