The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has distributed relief materials to residents affected by recent flooding in parts of Ondo State, urging local governments to strengthen disaster preparedness and community resilience.
The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, called on grassroots authorities to implement policies aimed at reducing the impact of weather-related disasters and improving response mechanisms at the community level.
Umar, who was represented by the Assistant Chief Search and Rescue Officer of NEMA’s Ado Ekiti Office, Mr Abogunrin Adesina, spoke on Wednesday at Oyin Akoko during the flag-off and distribution of relief materials to victims in Akoko North-East and Akoko North-West Local Government Areas.
“These relief materials are not intended to fully compensate for losses suffered, but to demonstrate our shared humanity and commitment to supporting affected communities on the path to recovery,” Umar said.
She added that climate change has increased the frequency of extreme weather events, making public sensitisation and proactive policies at the local level increasingly necessary.
The intervention formed part of the Federal Government’s Special Intervention Programme for the 2025 floods. Items distributed included 300 bags of 25kg rice, 300 bags of 25kg maize, and 150 cartons of spaghetti.
The House of Representatives member for Akoko North-East/North-West Federal Constituency, Mr Ifeoluwa Ehindero, represented by his Special Assistant on Logistics, Mr Peter Paul, commended the Federal Government for the timely support and assured beneficiaries of a transparent distribution process.
Speaking on behalf of the affected communities, Mr Muyiwa Adu expressed appreciation to NEMA and the Federal Government for the assistance during what he described as a difficult period.
Several communities across Ondo State were severely affected by floods in July, with roads, bridges and homes damaged, residents displaced and economic activities disrupted in areas including Uso, Okitipupa, Ilaje, Ese-Odo and Akoko South-West.