Ekiti fire victims bag N100 million

THE Ekiti Government says it has so far donated N100 million to victims of fire outbreaks within a year, with a N35 million donation to victims of the recent incident.

The Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, said this on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti while distributing cheques to the second batch of victims of the fire in the state.

Afuye said that the government also spent a cumulative N150 million to mitigate the impact of the 2025 rainstorm on victims from the 16 LGAs.

She said that Gov. Biodun Oyebanji acknowledged the trauma, distress and uncertainty the victims suffered in the course of losing their priceless property to devastating fires.

She urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money and to become more alert, so they can deploy proactive, intelligent actions to avert a recurrence of similar devastating incidents.

“Fire disaster is one of the most devastating occurrences anyone or family can experience.

“In a matter of minutes, years of hard work, investment and cherished memories can be reduced to ashes.

“No amount of money you are given can replace whatever you have lost, but the governor believes this intervention will provide a measure of relief and serve as a motivation for recovery, rebuilding and renewal of hope.

“It would be recalled that victims of similar unfortunate incidents in 2025 received over N50 million from the State Government.

“It is our expectation that the beneficiaries will judiciously utilise this support to re-establish their livelihoods and regain stability,” Afuye said.

She appealed to residents to take precautions and embrace safe practices in their homes, markets and workplaces.

She assured the residents that the government would continue to fortify emergency response mechanisms and intensify public enlightenment on fire prevention and safety measures.

Speaking, the General Manager, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr Oludare Asaolu, said the Oyebanji-led administration was concluding negotiations to sign an MoU with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency for equipment and training of state fire operatives.

Asaolu thanked the governor for promptly approving funds to cater for the victims of fire and rainstorm disasters in the state.

According to him, this accounted for why succour was being frequently provided to mitigate the sufferings of those whose property was destroyed.

Also speaking, the Head of operations, National Emergency Management Agency in Ekiti and Ondo, Dr Kofoworola Soneye, advised SEMA and other stakeholders to strengthen their safety campaigns to help the populace take proactive actions to manage emergencies in the state.

Responding on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mr Idowu Oba, thanked the governor for his timely intervention.

Oba urged his fellow victims to spend the government’s largesse wisely and to continue supporting the governor in accomplishing the task of making Ekiti safe for all.