In response to the flood that wreaked havoc on Ondo City in Ondo state last Friday, the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has led the officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to the town to assess the severity of the disaster.
Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor received the NEMA officials, led by the Director General, Zubaida Umar, in his office in Akure on Tuesday.
Thereafter, the governor led the NEMA team to Ondo City to have an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas.
The governor thanked the agency for coming to the rescue of the people of the town, saying NEMA has been a credible partner to the state government.
He reminded the agency of a pending request to save Ayetoro community in the riverine area of the state from sea incursion.
“On our part, we will bring relief to the victims and also step up advocacy campaign to ensure that our people do things that are required of them to prevent similar disasters” the governor said.
In her remarks, the Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, said the disaster was not unexpected, as he promised that the agency will support the state government to provide succor to the victims.
“NEMA is committed to exploring all possible means to support those affected by the flood. We will work with the state government to ensure the people of Ondo state recover from this disaster” Umar assured.
The NEMA DG further noted that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency( NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had predicted the disaster, disclosing that rainfall will last till the end of November.
Receiving the team in his palace in Ondo City, the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo, thanked the state government and NEMA for responding immediately when the disaster happened.
“It is really gratifying that NEMA and OD-SEMA teams have been on ground since the incident. I want to use this medium to commend the governor for his swift response”, Osemawe of Ondo acknowledged.
Speaking to journalists at the scene, member representing Ondo East/Ondo West federal constituency in the national assembly, Hon. Abiola Makinde, asked those affected by the flood to be patient as they will soon heave a sigh of relief.
He expressed satisfaction at the level of emergency response being received from the state government and NEMA, assuring of his commitment to support stakeholders in mitigating future occurrence.
John Paul Akinduro,
Press Secretary to Ondo State Governor
(Office of the Deputy Governor)
October 9, 2024