‘Prevention is cheaper’ — NEMA sensitises Ekiti residents against flooding

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged residents of Ekiti state to take proactive measures ahead of the flooding predicted to occur this year. 

Kadiri Olanrewaju, head of NEMA operations in Ekiti and Ondo states, gave the warning during a sensitisation rally at Oja-Bisi, Oja-Oba and Fayose markets in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday.

Olanrewaju said educating the traders on the risk of flood in different languages such as English, pidgin, Igbo, Hausa and Ekiti dialect was the objective of the rally.

The NEMA official said the forecast by relevant agencies had named Ekiti among the states expected to experience different degrees of flooding in 2023.

He also said most local government areas (LGAs) in the state are prone to high flood risks due to the seasonal rainfall.

Olanrewaju advised the residents to obey warnings by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on impending floods, adding that it would go a long way in reducing its impacts.

“Every one of us has witnessed the recent floods in Nigeria which claimed lives, displaced thousands of people as well as destroyed properties worth millions of naira,” he said.

“Floods cause widespread ecological dislocation. Therefore, it has become necessary for communities, individuals and authorities to take proactive measures.

“We need to believe that prevention is better and cheaper than cure, as well as consider climate change issues more seriously.”

In the same vein, Jide Borode, general manager of the Ekiti state emergency management agency, advised traders to stop the habit of dumping refuse in the drains.

Andrew Famosaya, the director of Ekiti State Fire Service also urged residents to stop the illegal felling of trees.

Famosaya said deforestation could result in flooding and urged residents to cultivate the habit of tree planting.