Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the disbursement of N105 million in cash and relief materials to 159 victims of flooding and rainstorm disasters across the state.

The governor also urged residents to take the flood warnings issued by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency seriously, particularly by clearing drainage channels and avoiding activities that obstruct natural waterways.

The intervention was announced on Thursday during the distribution of relief materials to affected residents.Represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Governor Oyebanji said the intervention was part of his administration’s efforts to cushion the effects of natural disasters on vulnerable residents.

He said recent flooding and rainstorms had destroyed homes, farmlands and other properties, while forcing some families out of their homes.

Oyebanji said, “In recent months, many of our communities have experienced the devastating effects of flooding and destructive rainstorms. Homes were destroyed, farmlands washed away, and families displaced.

“Behind every damaged roof and collapsed wall is a story of pain and hardship. But today, again, we are here to say: Government sees you. Government feels your pain. And Government is with you.”

According to him, the intervention followed reports and assessments carried out by the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency.

The governor urged residents to complement government’s efforts by taking preventive measures against flooding.He warned residents against building on waterways and called for regular clearing of drainage channels.

“Climate change is real. We must desist from building on waterways. We must clear our drainages and take early warning information from EKSEMA and NIMET seriously.

“Prevention is far better and cheaper than cure,” he said.The relief package distributed to the victims included cash, roofing sheets, bags of cement, roofing nails, planks, food items and other consumables to enable affected families begin the process of rebuilding their lives.

Oyebanji disclosed that his administration had, since 2022, provided N460.8 million in assistance to victims of rainstorms across Ekiti State.

He added that victims of fire disasters had also received assistance valued at N184.6 million within the same period.

The governor commended EKSEMA for its prompt assessment and verification of disaster victims, as well as what he described as a transparent process in the distribution of relief materials.

He also acknowledged the support of local government chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders and the National Emergency Management Agency in disaster management and grassroots sensitisation.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager of EKSEMA, Oludare Asaolu, urged residents and property developers to stop building on waterways and flood-prone locations.

Asaolu said the state government had committed substantial resources to supporting disaster victims and conducting sensitisation campaigns across the 16 local government areas since 2022.

He warned that flooding and rainstorms could trigger serious economic losses if residents failed to take preventive measures.

The EKSEMA boss also urged residents to guard against domestic fire outbreaks, particularly those caused by electrical faults.“We have to be cautious of rainstorm and flooding.

These can cause serious economic crisis to us.“It is not about water disaster alone; we should be careful of fire in our homes. Many houses had got burnt due to electricity sparks.

This is the more reason why you should off your lights while leaving home and correct all electrical faults to prevent fire surge that can destroy your property,” he said.

Also speaking, the National Emergency Management Agency’s Head of Operations for Ekiti and Ondo States, Olanrewaju Kazim, said NIMET had predicted more torrential rainfall in September.

Kazim therefore advised residents to take precautionary measures to protect their lives and property from possible flooding and other weather-related disasters.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, former Chairman of Ekiti Southwest Local Government, Larne Omolase, and Peter Akomokafe, expressed appreciation to the state government for the intervention.

They said the assistance would help affected families rebuild their homes and recover from the losses suffered during the disasters.

Dignitaries at the event included a member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Iyabo Fakunle-Okiemen; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun; Director-General, Office of Community Communications, Mary Oso Omotoso; Director-General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, John Moyo Ekundayo; Chairman of EKSEMA, Alhaji Demola Bello; the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe; representatives of security agencies and community leaders.