Ekiti State Government has assured residents that all necessary steps are being taken to avert possible flooding forecasted by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) for this year.
The Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, provided this assurance during a meeting with Ekiti State General Managers of broadcast stations and the General Manager of Adaba FM in Ondo State.
He revealed that the state has spent over N500 million on dredging waterways and desilting drainages, among other measures aimed at minimising flood risks and preventing avoidable loss of life and property.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to the well-being of the people, Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun emphasised the priority of climate action to mitigate natural disasters.
He assured that the state is well-prepared to ensure residents do not suffer avoidable losses due to climate change.
“Climate change is a concern to us. It has shifted rainfall patterns, causing unpredictable floods and longer-lasting droughts. The Oyebanji administration has, therefore, invested heavily in agriculture with several initiatives and interventions, including the introduction of mechanised and cluster farming, tractorisation with subsidised ploughing and harrowing, distribution of subsidised chemicals and tools to farmers, as well as distribution of high-yielding seeds and seedlings. These efforts aim to overcome the challenges of climate change,” said Olatunbosun.
The commissioner stated that the government has mapped out short, medium, and long-term plans to counter the effects of climate change, pending a possible permanent solution.
He urged all stakeholders to cooperate with the state government on advisories issued based on well-researched expert advice.
He also urged the General Managers to ensure professionalism in their stations, stressing the need to discourage activities and utterances that may be detrimental to the existing peace and security in the state.
