Akinlabi Afolabi, Ibadan
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has begun distribution of relief materials to over 300 households affected by the June 9 2020 victims of rainstorm 2020 disaster in 7 communities of itesiwaju Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Oyo state.
The director General national emergency Agency (NEMA) Muhammed Muhammadu represented by Mr Akiode Saheed the acting southwest zonal coordinator in his speech said that the gesture followed a request by Oyo state Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA), which was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari, through the office of the Director General of NEMA.
He said over 16 items including food and non-food materials which include rice, beans, Garri, tin tomatoes, mattresses and blankets – were being distributed to the victims of 2020 rainstorm disaster.
Akiode urged citizens of the state to get ready for the raining season and ensuring that houses are not built on water ways to forestall future reoccurrence of flooding in the state.
“Recall the sad incident of the Rainstorm disaster that occurred in even (communities Okaka; Otu; lpapa; Komu; lgbojaiye; Oke-Amu; and Babaode of ltesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State. ”
“The losses and impacts of the disaster attracted attention of the Federal Government in which the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development- Hajiya Sadiya Umar-Farouq consider necessary assistance to the affected persons.”
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was directed by the Honourable Minister to assess the effects of the Rainstorm disaster. This assignment was jointly carried out by NEMA and officials of Oyo State Emergency Management Agency. Therefore, based on reports of that assessment, the Federal Government has graciously approved relief items to complement the response of the Oyo
State Government in providing succour to the affected persons.”
Representing Oyo state deputy Governor Lateef Adebayo appeal to the victims of rainstorm disaster in itesiwaju local government to make good use of the materials distributed and cultivate the habit of planting trees to serve as wind breaker to mitigate future occurrence in the area.
“We are aware this is due to climate change and we have to prepare ourselves to avert this disaster. The current administration under Engr Seyi Makinde is keen to ensure the safety of lives and properties of the people and this is exactly what they are doing and we have to support them.”
Speaking at the event, Head of Local government adminstration Itesiwaju, Mrs Oladiran Oyefunke appreciated the Oyo State Government for their concerted effort in ensuring that these relief materials were delivered to the local government through the National Emergency Management Agency
“Although, these materials were supposed to have been distributed long before now, we do not have a choice but to distribute them to the beneficiaries at this time. I also commend the efforts of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to alleviate the suffering of the disaster victims.
“I believe that these materials, without any gainsaying Would go a long way in restoring the hope of the victims who got the roof of their respective buildings blown off and had since been seeking refuge in neighboring communities.”