The Ondo State Government has urged residents to adopt proactive measures against flooding and dry-season fires, stressing that disaster prevention is a collective responsibility.
Orange FM’s Ebunoluwa Akinroyeje reports that the Executive Secretary of the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA), Aina Richard, who represented the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the agency, Dr Olayide Adelami, gave the advice during the flag-off and distribution of relief materials to victims of natural disasters in the state.
Richard commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for approving relief materials for all 18 local government areas to alleviate the suffering of residents affected by flooding and other disasters.
He attributed the increasing incidence of flooding, including in previously unaffected areas, to rising water levels and heavy rainfall associated with climate change.
The ODSEMA chief urged residents to keep drainage channels clean, dispose of refuse properly and pay attention to weather forecasts to reduce the impact of future disasters.
He stressed the need for collaboration among the three tiers of government and residents to prevent disasters and minimise their effects, while urging beneficiaries to make judicious use of the relief materials.
Richard said the distribution exercise had covered parts of the Central Senatorial District, including Akure North, and had proceeded to Irele, Okitipupa and Odigbo in the Southern Senatorial District. He added that the exercise would continue in Ese-Odo, Akoko South-East and Akoko South-West local government areas.
The Director of Operations of the National Emergency Management Agency in the Ondo/Ekiti zone, Kaseem Olanrewaju, also advised residents on appropriate measures to prevent and respond to disasters.
The Chairmen of Odigbo, Irele and Okitipupa Local Government Areas, Taiwo Adegoroye, Olajide Akinfe and Andrew Ogunsakin, respectively, commended the state and federal governments for their support and prompt response to victims of flooding and other disasters.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries from the three local government areas, Odunayo Alailedoye appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for his concern and timely response to their needs.
The relief materials distribution team is expected to proceed to the Northern Senatorial District to continue the exercise.
