Ekiti State government spent N150 million in 2025 to mitigate the suffering of rainstorm victims in 16 local government areas.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who disclosed this, said the expenditure shouldered by his administration attests to the government’s people-centric approach.
Speaking yesterday, when he distributed cheques of N35 million to the second batch of victims of fire disasters in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, said about N100 million was expended by the government on such occurrences within in 12 months.
Mrs Afuye, who bemoaned the wanton destruction of property under avoidable circumstances, said the state government acknowledged the trauma, distress and uncertainty the victims must have suffered in the course of losing their priceless property to devastating fire incidents.
She urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds and to be more alert, ensuring that all proactive and intelligent actions are deployed to avert the recurrence of such devastating incidents.
According to her, “Fire disaster is one of the most devastating occurrences anyone or family can experience. In a matter of minutes, years of hard work, investment and cherished memories can be reduced to ashes.
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“We acknowledge the trauma, distress and uncertainty that such incidents bring, and we deeply sympathise with every victim affected by these unfortunate events.
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“No amount of money you are given that van will replace whatever you have lost. However, Governor Oyebanji believes this intervention will provide a measure of relief and serve as a catalyst for recovery, rebuilding, and renewing your hope.
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“It would be recalled that a similar presentation was made to those who suffered such an unfortunate incident in 2025, where over N50m was distributed. It is our expectation that the beneficiaries will judiciously utilise this support to reestablish their livelihoods and regain stability”.
The Deputy Governor appealed to residents to take precautions and embrace safe practices in their homes, markets and workplaces, assuring that the government will continue to fortify emergency response mechanisms and intensify public enlightenment on fire prevention and safety measures.
Underscoring the significance of the programme, the General Manager, State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Oludare Asaolu, said the Oyebanji-led administration has been upping the game in disaster management by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency on training and equipment.
Asaolu commended Governor Oyebanji for promptly approving funds to cater for victims of fire and rainstorm disasters in the state, saying this accounted for the frequent provision of succour to palliate the sufferings of those whose property was affected.
The National Emergency Management Agency’s Head of Operations in Ekiti and Ondo States, Dr Kofoworola Soneye, advised SEMA and other stakeholders to shore up campaign programmes that can help the populace take proactive steps to checkmate recurrent disasters in the state.
“Disaster management is the responsibility of everybody. Everybody must be involved, and if you see something, you must say something. We shouldn’t leave it to the government alone, and that is why we must make ourselves ambassadors and propagate the idea that we should be more careful in handling issues that can spark off disasters at home”.
Lending his voice to the issue of safety, the Commissioner for Information, Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun, urged the victims to become ambassadors in the aggressive campaign against disasters, saying their roles are pivotal to the government’s success and to the spirited actions to mitigate occurrences at all costs.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Idowu Oba applauded the governor for his timely intervention, urging his colleagues to spend the funds provided wisely and to support Governor Oyebanji in accomplishing the task of making Ekiti safe for all citizens.
