By our Reporter

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has called on stakeholders to take proactive measures in mitigating against the effects of rainstorm disaster in the state.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, made the call at a one-day sensitization workshop to emphasize the role of stakeholders in disaster risk reduction in Akure, on Tuesday.

This admonition is coming on the heels of the 2024 Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) flood outlook, which predicts Ondo, among other states, to witness heavy rainfall much more than that of 2023.

The governor said his administration, through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has been responsive in terms of disaster management.

“Our government has continuously embarked on various activities such as dredging of waterways, desilting of drainages and enforcement of environmental sanitation.

“But disaster management should not be left for government alone, it requires all other stakeholders like you to embark on more advocacy campaigns in our communities” the governor urged.

In his remarks, Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, who was represented by the Director Special Duties in the agency, Fatima Kassim, commended the state government for putting measures in place to reduce flood incidences.

According to her, “For the 2024 rainy season, some local government areas of Ondo state are still predicted to be affected by flooding. These LGAs which are under high and moderate flood risk areas include Ilaje, Odigbo, Ese-odo and Irele.

“We must work together to safeguard communities at risk, protect critical infrastructure and support uninterrupted socio economic activities in Ondo state”