Ondo Govt Distributes Relief Materials to Flood Victims in Riverine Communities
Ondo state government has distributed relief materials to residents of riverine communities who were affected by the recent flooding in the area.
The distribution exercise, which took place at the Ilaje Local Government Secretariat, Igbokoda, was carried out to cushion the effects of the disaster on affected families.
The relief items included essential foodstuffs, mattresses, blankets and other materials considered necessary to support residents as they recover from the impact of the flood.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State and Chairman of the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA), Dr. Olayide Adelami, assured affected residents of the commitment of the Lucky Aiyedatiwa administration to their welfare.
Represented by the Secretary of ODSEMA, Mr. Richard Aina, the Deputy Governor said the state government would continue to provide necessary support to residents affected by disasters.
He urged residents of flood-prone communities to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant government agencies to minimise the risk of further loss of lives and property.
Adelami also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening emergency response mechanisms and ensuring that vulnerable residents receive appropriate assistance whenever disasters occur.
He stressed the importance of collective responsibility in tackling flooding, particularly through proper waste disposal, keeping drainage channels clear and avoiding activities capable of obstructing natural waterways.
Also speaking, Head of Operations, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ado-Ekiti/Ondo Operations Office, Mr. Olanrewaju Kazeem, said the distribution was aimed at cushioning the impact of the flood disaster on affected residents of Ilaje.
Kazeem explained that NEMA had conducted a sensitisation exercise before the distribution of the relief materials to educate beneficiaries on disaster prevention, preparedness and appropriate responses during emergencies.
Earlier, Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Hon. Maurice Ola Oripenaye, said the intervention was made possible through the efforts of the Ondo State Government.
He noted that the large turnout of residents at the distribution centre was a reflection of the devastating impact of the flooding on communities across the local government area.
According to him, records compiled by the local government showed that nearly 10,000 residents affected by the flood had registered to receive assistance.
Recalling the severity of the flooding, the council chairman said the local government secretariat itself was submerged for almost a week, forcing workers to temporarily stay away from the premises until the floodwaters receded.
He therefore urged residents to heed the advice of relevant government agencies and desist from activities capable of obstructing the free flow of water.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Ayiniru Festus, expressed appreciation to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the timely intervention, describing the relief materials as significant support for families struggling to recover from the effects of the flood.
