Ekiti gives N105m relief to flood, rainstorm victims

The Ekiti State Government has released N105 million in cash and relief materials to 159 residents whose homes, farms and livelihoods were affected by flooding and rainstorms.

The intervention was announced on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti as Governor Biodun Oyebanji urged residents to act on weather alerts and take preventive measures as the rainy season intensifies.

Represented by his deputy, Monisade Afuye, the governor said the state was increasingly experiencing the destructive effects of flooding and rainstorms, with some incidents worsened by human activities.

He specifically warned against building on waterways and blocking drainage channels, saying such practices obstruct the natural movement of water and increase the risk of flooding in residential areas, roads and farmlands.

Oyebanji said the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency had listed Ekiti among states at risk of flooding during the peak of the rainy season.

He said failure to take precautionary measures could result in further destruction of property and loss of lives.

“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,” the governor said.

He appealed to residents to keep drainage channels clear, avoid construction along waterways and respond promptly to official flood warnings.

“Prevention is far better and cheaper than cure,” Oyebanji said.

The governor disclosed that the state had spent N460.8 million assisting victims of rainstorm disasters between 2022 and 2026.

He added that another N184.6 million had been provided to residents affected by fire disasters within the same period.

The latest beneficiaries received a combination of financial assistance and relief materials, including roofing sheets, cement, roofing nails, planks and food items, to support their recovery and rebuilding efforts.

The General Manager of the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Oludare Asaolu, said the agency had stepped up public awareness campaigns on ways residents could reduce their vulnerability to flooding and rainstorm disasters.

Also, the National Emergency Management Agency’s Head of Operations for Ekiti and Ondo states, Olanrewaju Kazim, said further heavy rainfall was expected in September based on NiMet’s forecast.

He urged residents to take the warning seriously and protect lives and property by adopting appropriate safety measures.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, a former Chairman of Ekiti South-West Local Government Area, Lanre Omolase, thanked the state government for the intervention.

He said the assistance would enable affected residents to begin repairing their homes and recover from losses suffered during the disasters.