RismadarVoice Reporters
October 9, 2026
The Ondo State Government has commenced the distribution of relief materials and financial assistance to approximately 7,000 residents affected by rainstorms, fire outbreaks and other disasters across the state.
The intervention, coordinated by the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA), covers communities in the state’s three senatorial districts and is intended to help affected households recover from damage to their homes, businesses, farmlands and other sources of livelihood.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Akure on Thursday, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of ODSEMA, Dr Olayide Adelami, said the exercise marked the beginning of a wider programme to support disaster victims.
Adelami disclosed that traders affected by the August 12 and August 30, 2026, fire incidents at Ore Market would also receive financial assistance under the programme.
He identified Ese-Odo, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, Owo, Akure South, Akoko South-West, Odigbo, Ilaje and Okitipupa among the local government areas covered by the intervention.
According to the deputy governor, the distribution follows assessments conducted by ODSEMA to identify affected residents and determine the assistance required in different communities.
He said the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remained committed to supporting vulnerable residents and strengthening emergency response across the state.
Adelami described the programme as part of the government’s Our Ease Agenda, which prioritises public welfare, security and economic development.
He commended ODSEMA officials for documenting the damage caused by disasters and coordinating the distribution process.
The deputy governor also emphasised the importance of effective disaster preparedness, urging residents to observe safety precautions, remain alert to potential hazards and promptly report emergencies to the appropriate authorities.
Speaking at the event, the Administrative Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Pastor Frederick Orunko, called for stronger cooperation between government agencies and communities in preventing and responding to disasters.
Orunko said public awareness, compliance with safety regulations and timely reporting of emergencies were essential to reducing the impact of disasters.
He urged residents to cooperate with emergency management personnel and support preventive measures introduced by relevant authorities.
The Onirese of Irese, Oba Ahmed Saka, welcomed the intervention, particularly the assistance extended 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 for including affected residents of the council area in the relief programme.
She expressed optimism that the assistance would help beneficiaries address immediate needs and begin rebuilding their homes and businesses.
The state government said the distribution would extend to identified disaster victims across the affected local government areas as the relief programme progresses.
However, the total financial allocation for the exercise and the amount payable to individual beneficiaries were not specified in the announcement.
