The Ekiti State Government has spent about N100 million on fire disaster interventions within the last 12 months, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has said Afuye disclosed this on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti while distributing N35 million in cheques to 30 beneficiaries, being the second batch of victims of recent fire disasters in the state capital.
She said the gesture underscored the people-oriented nature of the administration of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji, adding that the government was committed to alleviating the sufferings of disaster victims.
According to her, the state government also spent N150 million in 2025 to mitigate the effects of rainstorms across the 16 local government areas of the state.
The deputy governor expressed concern over the frequent destruction of property through avoidable fire incidents, noting that the governor empathised with the trauma, distress and uncertainty faced by victims.
“Fire disasters are among the most devastating experiences, as years of hard work and cherished memories can be lost within minutes,” she said.
Afuye urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds and adopt proactive safety measures to prevent a recurrence.
“No amount of money can replace what has been lost, but this intervention is meant to provide relief and serve as a motivation for recovery and rebuilding,” she added.
She appealed to residents to embrace safe practices in homes, markets and workplaces, assuring them that the government would continue to strengthen emergency response systems and intensify public enlightenment on fire prevention.
Earlier, the General Manager of the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr Oludare Asaolu, said the Oyebanji administration had improved disaster management through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) for training and equipment support.
Asaolu commended the governor for the prompt release of funds for fire and rainstorm victims, noting that this had enabled timely assistance to affected residents.
Also speaking, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Head of Operations for Ekiti and Ondo states, Dr Kofoworola Soneye, urged stakeholders to intensify public awareness campaigns to curb recurring disasters.
“Disaster management is everybody’s responsibility. Citizens must be vigilant and proactive rather than leaving everything to government,” she said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Taiwo Olatunbosun, called on beneficiaries to serve as ambassadors for disaster prevention in their communities.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Idowu Oba expressed appreciation to the state government for the timely intervention and urged recipients to use the funds wisely.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Special Adviser/Director-General, Office of Transformation and Delivery, Dr Moyo Ekundayo; the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr Leke Adefolaju; and the Director-General, Office of Community Communications, Mrs Mary Oso-Omotoso, among others.