The Ekiti State Government has disbursed N105m in cash and relief materials to 159 residents affected by rainstorms and flooding across the state.
The distribution took place on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, where Governor Biodun Oyebanji urged residents to heed early warning alerts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (EKSEMA).
Represented by his deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, the governor expressed concern over the increasing incidents of flooding and rainstorms in the state.
He attributed some of the disasters to construction on waterways and the blockage of drainage channels by property owners, warning that such practices disrupt the natural flow of water and increase the risk of flooding in communities, on roads and on farmlands.
Oyebanji said NiMet’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction had identified Ekiti as one of the states likely to experience flooding as the rainy season peaks.
According to him, the forecast raises the risk of property destruction and loss of lives if preventive measures are not taken.
“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,” he said.
The governor also urged residents to stop building on waterways, clear blocked drainage channels and take flood warnings seriously.
“Prevention is far better and cheaper than cure,” Oyebanji said.
He disclosed that the state government had provided N460.8m in assistance to rainstorm victims between 2022 and 2026, while victims of fire disasters received N184.6m over the same period.
The relief package distributed to the 159 beneficiaries included cash, roofing sheets, bags of cement, roofing nails, planks and food items.
The General Manager of EKSEMA, Mr Oludare Asaolu, said the agency had intensified public sensitisation on measures to reduce the impact of flooding and rainstorms.
Also speaking, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Head of Operations for Ekiti and Ondo states, Mr Olanrewaju Kazim, said NiMet had forecast more torrential rainfall in September and urged residents to take precautions to protect their lives and property.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, a former Chairman of Ekiti South-West Local Government Area, Mr Lanre Omolase, commended the intervention, saying it would help affected residents rebuild their homes and recover from their losses.
