The Ondo State Government has commenced the distribution of relief materials and cash assistance to about 7,000 victims of rainstorms, fire outbreaks and other disasters across the state.
The intervention, which covers the three senatorial districts, is aimed at alleviating the hardship faced by residents whose homes, businesses and sources of livelihood have been damaged by disasters.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Akure on Thursday, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA), Dr Olayide Adelami, said the exercise marked the beginning of a broader relief programme for affected residents across the state.
He disclosed that traders affected by the fire incidents at Ore Market on August 12 and August 30, 2026, would also receive cash assistance as part of the intervention.
Adelami said the government had identified about 7,000 disaster victims for the relief programme, adding that the exercise would cover several local government areas, including Ese-Odo, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, Owo, Akure South, Akoko South-West, Odigbo, Ilaje and Okitipupa.
According to him, the intervention reflects the commitment of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration to supporting residents affected by unforeseen disasters and ensuring that vulnerable communities receive government assistance.
“The scale of this intervention reflects the determination of the Lucky Aiyedatiwa administration to ensure that no affected community is forgotten,” he said.
The deputy governor commended Aiyedatiwa for prioritising the welfare of residents and strengthening the capacity of ODSEMA to respond effectively to emergencies.
He described the relief programme as part of the administration’s Our Ease Agenda, which, he said, places the welfare, security and prosperity of the people at the centre of governance.
“This intervention is a demonstration that the government cares and will stand with its citizens in their moments of difficulty,” Adelami said.
He also praised the ODSEMA team for identifying affected communities, assessing the extent of damage and coordinating the distribution of relief materials, stressing that effective disaster management required timely assessments, proper documentation and efficient coordination.
Adelami urged residents to support government efforts at disaster prevention by observing safety guidelines, remaining vigilant and promptly reporting emergencies to the appropriate authorities.
Also speaking, the Administrative Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Pastor Frederick Orunko, described disaster management as a collective responsibility requiring the cooperation of individuals, communities and relevant stakeholders.
Orunko urged residents to remain vigilant, comply with safety regulations and cooperate with emergency management officials to ensure effective disaster prevention and response.
“I want you to understand the importance of community vigilance. I urge you to comply with safety guidelines and cooperate with emergency management officials. Effective disaster response requires the participation and support of everyone,” he said.
In his remarks, the Onirese of Irese, Oba Ahmed Saka, expressed appreciation to the state government for extending assistance to residents whose properties were damaged by rainstorms in his community.
Similarly, the Vice Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Hon. Funmi Dapo-Filani, commended the state government and ODSEMA for including disaster victims in the area in the relief programme.
She said the intervention would provide much-needed support to affected residents and help them gradually rebuild their homes, businesses and livelihoods.
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