Published by Osasere Edomwonyi Ikpoba
The Ondo State Government has commenced the distribution of relief materials to residents of riverine communities ravaged by recent flooding, with nearly 10,000 affected individuals registered to receive assistance in Ilaje Local Government Area alone. The flag-off ceremony, held on Tuesday at the Igbokoda local government secretariat, marked the beginning of a coordinated effort involving the state government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA) to cushion the impact of the disaster on affected families.
The recent downpour in Ilaje Local Government Area caused widespread flooding that destroyed property and submerged homes across several communities. The devastation was so severe that the local government secretariat itself remained underwater for nearly a week, forcing workers to temporarily stay away from the premises until the floodwaters receded. The flooding, according to local officials, was caused by a combination of natural factors and human activities, particularly the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways, blockage of drainage channels, and construction on natural water courses.
Items distributed to the victims included essential foodstuffs, mattresses, blankets, and other materials considered necessary to support residents as they recover from the impact of the flood. The Ondo State Deputy Governor and Chairman of ODSEMA, Dr Olayide Adelami, who spoke at the event held at Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje LGA, said the gesture was carried out to cushion the effects of the disaster on affected families. Represented by the agency's Secretary, Mr Richard Aina, the deputy governor reaffirmed the administration's commitment to strengthening emergency response mechanisms and ensuring that vulnerable residents receive appropriate assistance whenever disasters occur.
Adelami appealed to all residents of flood-prone communities to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant government agencies to minimise the risk of further loss of lives and property. He stressed the importance of collective responsibility in tackling flooding, urging residents to practice proper waste disposal, keep drainage channels clear, and avoid activities capable of obstructing natural waterways. He said, "I want to appeal to all residents of flood-prone communities to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant government agencies to minimise the risk of further loss of lives and property. I also want to reaffirm that this administration is committed to strengthening emergency response mechanisms and our people would receive appropriate assistance whenever disasters occur".
The Head of Operations at NEMA's Ado-Ekiti/Ondo Operations Office, Mr Olanrewaju Kazeem, in his remarks, stated that the distribution was aimed at cushioning the impact of the flood disaster on affected residents of Ilaje. Kazeem explained that NEMA had conducted a sensitisation exercise before the distribution of the relief materials to educate beneficiaries on disaster prevention, preparedness, and appropriate responses during emergencies. He noted that although the relief items might not completely compensate victims for their losses, they were intended to provide immediate support and help them recover from the devastating effects of the incidents. On behalf of the Federal Government, the NEMA official sympathised with the affected communities and urged residents to place greater emphasis on preventing disasters instead of relying on government assistance after such incidents. He advised members of the public to avoid indiscriminate waste disposal, refrain from erecting buildings on waterways, and observe other environmental safety measures that could reduce the risk of flooding and other disasters.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Hon. Maurice Oripenaye, said the intervention was made possible through the efforts of the state government, noting that the large turnout of residents at the distribution centre was a reflection of the devastating impact of the flooding on communities across the local government area. According to Oripenaye, records compiled by the local government showed that nearly 10,000 residents affected by the flood had registered to receive assistance, and the list of affected residents had been submitted to both SEMA and NEMA at the federal level for necessary action. Recalling the severity of the flooding, the council chairman said the local government secretariat itself was submerged for almost a week, forcing workers to temporarily stay away from the premises until the floodwaters receded. He called on residents to heed the advice of relevant government agencies and desist from activities capable of obstructing the free flow of water.
Ondo State is among 19 states identified by the Federal Government as being at critical risk of severe flooding. The state has been proactively preparing for such emergencies, with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa previously approving funds to support communities affected by windstorms, floods, and other natural disasters. The government has also deployed amphibious machines to clear waterways and drainage channels in Ilaje LGA, targeting the removal of obstructions from canals and river channels. As the rainy season continues and the threat of further flooding looms, the distribution of relief materials marks a critical step in supporting affected communities. However, officials stress that prevention remains the most effective strategy—and that the responsibility lies not only with the government but with every resident who calls Ondo State home.
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