Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has emphasised his administration’s commitment to proactive disaster prevention, particularly regarding flooding.
He made the statement during a meeting with a delegation from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the World Bank Group ahead of the launch of the Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) project in the state.
The project, funded by the World Bank, aims to strengthen the state’s capacity to manage and respond to emergencies.
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Aiyedatiwa noted that the state was selected for the EPR project due to its proactive approach to disaster management.
He highlighted ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Infrastructure to conduct extensive channelisation using swamp buggy machines to prevent flooding.
This strategy, he said, has largely protected the state from major floods this year.
The governor also cited the quick repair of the Akure Airport tower after it was damaged by strong winds, restoring operations within three days.
The governor also addressed the persistent problem of sea incursion in the Aiyetoro community.
He described the situation as critical and stated that his administration, in partnership with the federal government and agencies like the World Bank, is seeking a lasting solution.
“The Aiyetoro case is a major problem that requires careful design,” Aiyedatiwa said, expressing confidence that a permanent solution would be found.
He also urged residents to help prevent flooding by avoiding the dumping of waste in drainage channels and not building structures that obstruct waterways.
More so, Badele Onimode, NEMA’s Director of Planning, Research, and Forecasting, explained that the EPR project will involve hazard mapping, community sensitisation, data collection, and training residents on disaster response measures.
He confirmed that Ondo was chosen as one of only seven states for the project due to the state government’s commitment to disaster preparedness.
The World Bank, he added, will identify specific projects in the state for potential support and provide technical expertise.
Furthermore, Francis Nkoka of the World Bank explained that the institution’s role extends beyond financial aid to include technical support.
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He stressed the importance of preparedness, stating that while disasters cannot always be prevented, effective response capacity is crucial.
The World Bank will work with NEMA to guide the process, offering technical expertise to improve the state’s preparedness and emergency response capabilities.
