By Ade Oyeyemi
The Ondo State Government has begun distributing relief materials to more than 7,000 victims of flooding and fire outbreaks across the state to ease their hardship and support their recovery.
The exercise, which covers the 18 local government areas, commenced in the southern senatorial district, with victims in six local government areas expected to benefit from the first phase.
Speaking during the distribution in Okitipupa on Tuesday, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Olayide Adelami, represented by the agency’s Secretary, Aina Richard, commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for approving the intervention.
Adelami urged residents to adopt preventive measures against flooding and dry-season fires, warning that changing weather conditions had increased the risk of flooding, including in areas previously considered safe.
He disclosed that the agency provides 10-day weather forecasts to local emergency management committees to improve disaster preparedness and enable communities to respond promptly to potential threats.
The deputy governor advised residents to keep drainage channels clear of refuse, disconnect electrical appliances before leaving their homes and handle cooking equipment carefully to minimise fire risks. He also cautioned beneficiaries against selling the relief materials, urging them to use the items for their intended purpose.
Also speaking, the Director of Operations of the National Emergency Management Agency for Ondo and Ekiti states, Kaseem Olanrewaju, called for stronger cooperation between communities and emergency management agencies to prevent disasters and reduce the loss of lives and property. He stressed the need to ensure that the materials reached genuine beneficiaries without discrimination.
The chairmen of Odigbo, Irele and Okitipupa local government areas, Taiwo Adegoroye, Akinfe Olajide and Andrew Ogunsakin, respectively, praised the governor for the intervention and urged residents to maintain clean surroundings. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Odunayo Alailedoye expressed appreciation to the state government, describing the gesture as evidence of its concern for disaster victims.
