Ondo State government, on Thursday, distributed relief materials to rainstorm victims in Supare-Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The distribution of the relief materials was presided over by the acting Governor of the state, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Rainstorm had, on March 17, destroyed several houses in the town, thus rendering many homeless.
The acting governor assured residents of the state that government would continue to support them and initiate programs that would alleviate their sufferings.
Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr Femi Obideyi, reiterated government’s determination to continue to assist the people of the state during distress.
“You will recall that on March 17, devastating rainstorm destroyed many houses across the length and breadth of Supare-Akoko.
“When the news of the incident reached me in Akure, I immediately directed officials of Ondo State Emergency Management Agency to proceed with an on-the-spot assessment of the disaster.
“When I received the report of the rainstorm disaster, I briefed my principal, Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and he directed that immediate attention should be given to the affected people.
“I am happy to state that this occasion coming up today is a follow-up to the exercise carried out by SEMA and in fulfillment of the promises by Mr Governor to attend to victims of the unfortunate incident.
“At this juncture, permit me to express my immense joy that despite the impact of the rainstorm, no single life was lost.
“What it means is that in spite of the pains and losses, there is still every reason for the people to appreciate God,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the materials given to them and appealed to residents to embrace tree planting to serve as windbreakers.
He also called for concerted efforts on disaster risk reduction and enhanced collaboration among emergency responders at the community, local and state levels.
Earlier, the Olu Supare of Supare Akoko, Regent Adebukola Adedayo, appreciated government’s gesture to reduce the sufferings of the rainstorm disaster victims in the town.
