Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Ondo state governor, has called on stakeholders to take proactive measures in mitigating the possible negative effects of rainstorm disaster in the State.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who spoke through his deputy, Olayide Adelami at a one-day sensitization workshop to emphasize the role of stakeholders in disaster and risk reduction in Akure, said his Administration, through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), had been responsive in terms of disaster management.
BusinessDay reports that the 2024 Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), going by the weather forecast and flood outlook, has predicted that Ondo, among other States, will witness heavy rainfall much more than that of 2023.
He said, “Our Government has continuously embarked on various activities such as dredging of waterways, desilting of drainages and enforcement of environmental sanitation.
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“But disaster management should not be left for government alone, it requires all other stakeholders like you to embark on more advocacy campaigns in our communities.”
But, Zubaida Umar, Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), commended the State Government for putting measures in place to reduce flood incidences.
Umar, who was represented by the Director Special Duties in the Agency, Fatima Kassim, said; “for the 2024 rainy season, some local government areas of Ondo state are still predicted to be affected by flooding. These LGAs which are under high and moderate flood risk areas include Ilaje, Odigbo, Ese-odo and Irele.
“We must work together to safeguard communities at risk, protect critical infrastructure and support uninterrupted socio economic activities in Ondo State”
