FLOOD RELIEF UNDERWAY: AIYEDATIWA DEPLOYS INTERVENTION MACHINES AS ADEBARE ASSURES ILE-OLUJI/OKEIGBO RESIDENTS OF LASTING SOLUTIONS

AIYEDATIWA DEPLOYS INTERVENTION MACHINES AS ADEBARE ASSURES ILE-OLUJI/OKEIGBO RESIDENTS OF LASTING SOLUTIONS

The Executive Chairman of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government, Hon. Adebare Adeboye, has assured residents affected by recent flooding that the Ondo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has activated emergency measures to tackle the situation, with heavy-duty intervention machines expected to arrive in the local government before the end of the week.

The assurance was given during an inspection of flood-hit communities, where residents recounted the devastating effects of the persistent rainfall and appealed for urgent government intervention to prevent future occurrences.

Speaking on behalf of residents of Okeigbo, Mr. Sina Fadamitan described the flooding as the worst the community has witnessed in recent years. He said communities including Awo, Ramoni, Ayetoro and the Omi Olóòrì axis were badly affected as floodwaters submerged roads and overtopped bridges, making movement difficult for residents.

According to him, the situation has been aggravated by rapid urbanisation and the low-lying nature of the affected communities. He appealed for the construction of additional drainage channels and bridges to improve water flow and minimise future flooding. While expressing gratitude that no lives were lost, he stressed the need for permanent solutions to protect lives and property.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Adedugbe Way, Oke-Alafia West, Ile-Oluji, Dr. Folorunso Akinwinsola, lamented that the flooding rendered the road impassable, cutting off access to parts of the community.

He commended Hon. Adebare Adeboye for his swift response, describing him as a responsive leader committed to the welfare of the people. Dr. Akinwinsola attributed the flooding largely to overflowing waterways and recommended dredging drainage channels, constructing flood embankments and raising vulnerable road sections as long-term solutions. He also appreciated the Ondo State Government for its continued support.

Responding, Hon. Adebare Adeboye sympathised with affected residents and thanked members of the public for promptly sharing videos and reports from the impacted areas, noting that the information helped both the local and state governments identify critical locations requiring immediate attention.

The council chairman also commended the Special Assistant to the Governor on Technical and Ecological Control, Hon. Engr. Elisha Ebijimi, for his commitment to addressing ecological challenges across Ondo State. He further praised Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for what he described as the Governor's compassionate leadership and prompt response to the flooding.

Hon. Adebare recalled that during a similar flooding incident last year, Governor Aiyedatiwa directed that government intervention equipment working in Ilaje Local Government be moved to Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo. He said the Governor has once again ordered that the machines currently operating in Ilaje be redeployed to the local government to address the latest emergency.

He assured residents that the equipment would commence work immediately upon arrival, with operations beginning in Okeigbo, where the flooding has been most severe. He added that after completing the assignment in Okeigbo, the machines would move to Ile-Oluji to carry out dredging and waterway clearance as part of efforts to prevent future flooding across the entire local government.

Hon. Adebare reaffirmed his administration's commitment to creating a safer environment for residents, stating that his goal is to leave behind lasting developmental projects that will positively impact the lives of the people.

Speaking during the assessment, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Technical and Ecological Control, Hon. Engr. Elisha Ebijimi, said the Ondo State Government has consistently implemented ecological intervention projects and cleared waterways across the state.

He confirmed that the intervention machines would arrive in Okeigbo before the end of the week due to the severity of the flooding. He also disclosed that the state government will construct two single-cell bridges in the affected area to improve water flow and reduce the risk of future flooding.

Ebijimi appealed to residents to avoid dumping refuse into drainage channels and natural waterways, warning that blocked drains remain a major cause of flooding in many communities.

The visit underscored the commitment of the Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa-led administration and the Hon. Adebare Adeboye-led local government to delivering lasting ecological solutions, safeguarding lives and property, and improving the wellbeing of residents across Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government.