Ondo govt distributes relief materials to Ilaje flood victims

The Ondo State Government on Wednesday distributed relief materials to residents of the coastal communities in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state, affected by the recent flooding.

The intervention, coordinated by the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA) in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), was carried out at Ignokpda, headquarters of the Ilaje Local Government Area, to cushion the impact of the disaster on affected families.

The relief materials distributed include foodstuffs, mattresses, blankets and other essential items to support residents whose homes and livelihoods were disrupted by the flood.

Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA), Dr Olayide Adelami, assured victims of the state government’s continued support, saying Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration would not abandon residents affected by the disaster.

Adelami said the intervention was part of the government’s efforts to alleviate the hardship caused by the flooding and assist affected families in their recovery.

The Deputy Governor, who was represented by the Secretary of ODSEMA, Mr Richard Aina, said the state government remained committed to strengthening its emergency response mechanisms and ensuring that residents affected by natural disasters received timely assistance.

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The deputy governor also urged residents of flood-prone communities to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories from relevant authorities to prevent further loss of lives and property.

He also called for collective action against flooding, including proper waste disposal, clearing of drainage channels and avoiding activities that could obstruct the natural flow of water.

Also speaking, the Head of Operations, NEMA Ado-Ekiti/Ondo Operations Office, Mr Olanrewaju Kazeem, said the relief distribution was designed to alleviate the hardship suffered by residents following the flood.

Kazeem disclosed that NEMA had earlier conducted sensitisation exercises in the affected communities to educate residents on disaster prevention, preparedness and appropriate responses during emergencies.

Earlier, the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Hon Maurice Ola Oripenaye, said the intervention was made possible through the efforts of the state government.

Oripenaye said the large turnout at the distribution centre reflected the severity of the flooding, adding that records compiled by the council showed that nearly 10,000 affected residents had registered for assistance.

He recalled that the local government secretariat was submerged for almost a week during the flood, forcing workers to stay away from the premises until the waters receded.

The council chairman urged residents to heed warnings from government agencies and desist from activities capable of blocking waterways and worsening flooding.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Ayiniru Festus, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for the intervention, describing the relief materials as timely support for families struggling to recover from the disaster.