The Ondo State Government has commenced the distribution of relief materials and cash assistance to over 7,000 victims of natural and fire disasters across the three senatorial districts of the state.
The government said the intervention was aimed at supporting residents whose homes, businesses and livelihoods had been affected by disasters, including rainstorms and fire outbreaks a few weeks ago.
In a statement issued by the Spokesperson to the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr John Akinduro, on Friday, the government flagged off the exercise in Akure on Thursday.
According to the statement, the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, who is also the Chairman of the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency, explained that the exercise marked the beginning of a broader relief programme to reach thousands of affected residents across the state, disclosing that over 7,000 disaster victims were expected to benefit from the intervention.
The deputy governor said the programme would also include cash assistance for traders affected by the fire incidents at Ore Market on August 12 and August 30, 2026.
He said, “Our records indicate that about 7,000 victims will benefit from the broader relief intervention being undertaken across the state.
“The intervention will cover affected persons in several local government areas, including Ese-Odo, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, Owo, Akure South, Akoko South-West, Odigbo, Ilaje and Okitipupa, among others.
“The scale of this intervention reflects the determination of the Lucky Aiyedatiwa administration to ensure that no affected community is forgotten.
“This intervention is a demonstration that the government cares and will stand with its citizens in their moments of difficulty. It is also consistent with the people-centred philosophy of the Our Ease Agenda of this administration, which places the welfare, security and prosperity of our people at the centre of governance.”
The deputy governor commended the ODSEMA team for identifying affected communities, assessing the extent of damage and coordinating the relief response, noting that effective disaster management required timely assessment, proper documentation and efficient coordination.
He urged residents to support disaster prevention and response efforts by observing safety guidelines, remaining vigilant and promptly reporting emergencies to the relevant authorities.
Similarly, the Vice Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Mrs Funmi Dapo-Filani, commended the state government and ODSEMA for extending relief to disaster victims in the area.
She said the intervention would provide much-needed support to affected residents and help them gradually rebuild their homes, businesses and livelihoods.
In his remarks, the Onirese of Irese, Oba Ahmed Saka, expressed appreciation to the state government for providing assistance to residents affected by the rainstorm disaster in his community.
Natural disasters such as rainstorms and fire outbreaks can destroy homes, damage businesses and disrupt the livelihoods of affected households.
State emergency management agencies play a key role in assessing disaster-related losses, coordinating relief efforts and providing support to victims to help them recover from such incidents.