In response to the devastating rainstorm that wreaked havoc at Ita-Ogbolu, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo state during the first rain recorded in the state, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Saturday visited the people of the affected community, assuring them of quick intervention by the state government.
The first rain, according to the people of the area, affected about 200 buildings while one life was lost during the torrential rain.
Aiyedatiwa, who visited the scenes of the incident, expressed shock and assured residents of the town of quick intervention by the state government.
The governor who inspected the damages, sympathised with the victims and promised that the government would come to their aid in no distance period.
Accompanied by his deputy, Chief Olayide Adelami and the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Olamide Oladiji, the Governor also paid a visit to the residence of the woman who died as a result of the storm, and described the occurrence as highly devastating.
Earlier at the palace of the Ogbolu of Ita-Ogbolu, the Governor expressed his sadness over the loss of life and the huge number of affected properties.
The Governor disclosed that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) had been on the ground to compile and assess the affected houses and would ensure succour gets to the victims on time.
“I want to sympathise with Kabiyesi and the people of Ita-Ogbolu on this unfortunate disaster.
“We thank God that it was not more than that. May God give the family of the one who lost her life the fortitude to bear the loss.
“The government has arrangements for such a disaster and I can assure you that we will do the needful when we see the detailed reports.
We sympathise with the victims at these trying times and plead for calmness, in the sense that a natural disaster of this nature is one occurrence that is difficult to control.
“But with personal precautions and the right efforts, its effects can be minimised,” the Governor said.
Aiyedatiwa however, advised the residents to cultivate the habit of planting trees around their residential buildings so that it would serve as a windbreaker.
The Ogbolu of Ita-Ogbolu, Oba Idowu Faborode, while appreciating the governor for the concern and show of love, urged the state government to assist those affected by the rainstorm soon.
A member of the House of Assembly representing Akure North, Hon. Kolawole Ologede and a former Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Mr. Dele Ologun, thanked the Governor for personally visiting the community.