Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has cautioned developers against constructing on waterways, citing it as a major obstacle undermining the government’s efforts to control flooding in the state.
The governor issued the warning on Sunday in Ado Ekiti while inspecting areas affected by heavy flooding on Saturday. The inspection included a visit to the Osekita area of Ekiti State University (EKSU), where hostels were inundated by floodwaters. Governor Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, donated food palliatives to students who lost personal belongings in the incident.
Addressing the victims, the governor urged residents to avoid actions that could thwart the government’s flood control measures. He emphasized that indiscriminate dumping of refuse and illegal building on waterways are significant factors exacerbating flooding in the state.
Governor Oyebanji expressed sympathy for the flood victims, particularly the students, and stressed that many of the causes of flooding could be prevented if citizens refrained from obstructing drainage systems and waterways. He noted that the government had been proactive in addressing the issue by dredging rivers and channelizing flood-prone areas, such as the Elemi and Ureje rivers in Ado Ekiti.
“On behalf of Governor Oyebanji, I sympathize with you on this unfortunate incident. Despite the sad circumstances, we thank God no lives were lost. The government has made significant investments in flood control, and we will continue to assist victims of natural disasters like floods, rainstorms, and fires,” the governor said.
Governor Oyebanji further assured the public that the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) would assess the affected areas for proper documentation and assistance.
In response to the incident, EKSU Vice Chancellor Professor Babatola Ayodele promised that the university would take preventive measures to avoid future occurrences, including raising awareness among students about avoiding flood-prone accommodations. He lamented the loss of students’ valuables, including books and foodstuffs, and called for relief packages to ease their hardship.
One of the affected students, Adekunle Adeyemi, expressed gratitude for the governor’s visit and noted that the relief materials would greatly help them during this challenging time.