The devastating rainstorm that struck Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, on Saturday, left a trail of destruction across the city, impacting residential buildings, commercial establishments, and public infrastructure. The scale of damage, described as “massive and traumatizing” by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, prompted an immediate response from the state government to assess the situation and provide support to the affected residents. The powerful storm, characterized by heavy rainfall and furious winds, toppled electrical poles, telecommunication masts, and caused widespread structural damage, leaving hundreds homeless and disrupting commercial activities.
Governor Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, conducted a tour of the affected areas on Sunday to evaluate the extent of the devastation. Expressing his deep sympathy for the victims, the governor assured them of the government’s unwavering support in navigating the aftermath of the disaster. He emphasized the pro-people nature of his administration, pledging that the government would not abandon those whose lives and livelihoods had been disrupted by the storm. The governor’s commitment to providing assistance was reinforced by his earlier directive to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to immediately commence an assessment of the damaged properties to facilitate prompt intervention.
While acknowledging the significant financial burden the destruction would impose on affected individuals and businesses, Governor Oyebanji expressed relief that no lives were lost during the storm. He underscored the importance of proactive measures such as regular building maintenance and tree planting around residential areas to mitigate the impact of future storms. He encouraged residents to perform routine checks and repairs on their properties before the onset of the rainy season and to plant trees as natural windbreakers, thereby reducing the vulnerability of structures to wind damage.
Governor Oyebanji reiterated his administration’s commitment to the well-being of the people of Ekiti State and promised timely succour to the victims. He assured residents that SEMA, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), would conduct a detailed assessment of the damaged structures and enumerate the affected individuals to inform the government’s intervention strategy. He urged the affected residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities without fear, assuring them that the government was actively working to address their needs.
The governor’s proactive response to the disaster reflects his administration’s dedication to providing support and assistance to the citizens of Ekiti State in times of crisis. The coordinated efforts of SEMA and NEMA will ensure a comprehensive assessment of the damage and facilitate the efficient distribution of aid to those in need. The government’s commitment to rebuilding the damaged structures and providing necessary support underscores its dedication to the welfare and resilience of the community.
The rainstorm, while devastating, serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. The governor’s emphasis on building maintenance and tree planting highlights the role of individual responsibility in disaster preparedness. The collaborative efforts of the state and national emergency management agencies, coupled with the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting its citizens, will pave the way for the recovery and rebuilding of the affected areas. The experience also underscores the need for ongoing community education and awareness programs to promote disaster preparedness and resilience.
