By Adetokunbo Abiola
Ten thousand victims of flood disasters in riverine communities of Ondo State have received relief materials from the state government during a distribution exercise recently.
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.
While urging 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, he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening emergency response mechanisms in the state.
Stressing the importance of collective responsibility in tackling flooding, he called for proper waste disposal, keeping drainage channels clean 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.
Earlier, Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Hon. Maurice Ola Oripenaye, said the initiative took place through the efforts of the Ondo State Government.
He noted that the presence of a large number of residents at the distribution centre was a testament to the devastating effects of the flooding on towns and villages across the local government area, as nearly 10,000 residents who were impacted upon by the flood had registered to receive assistance.
Recalling an instance of the flooding, the council chairman said the local government secretariat itself was inundated for about seven days, causing workers to temporarily stay away from their offices until the floodwaters subsided.
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.