NEMA urges local councils to strengthen disaster policies as it distributes relief materials to flood victims in Ondo State
The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mrs Zubaida Umar, has urged local governments to initiate policies that will help communities tackle weather-related disasters.
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She also called for intensified grassroots sensitisation to reduce disaster risks and strengthen national resilience.
Umar made the call at Oyin Akoko during the distribution of relief materials to flood victims in Akoko North-East and Akoko North-West Local Government Areas of Ondo State.
She was represented by the Assistant Chief Search and Rescue Officer of NEMA’s Ado Ekiti Office, Mr Abogunrin Adesina.
According to a statement issued by the agency on Thursday, the exercise formed part of the Federal Government’s Special Intervention for the 2025 flood.
Items distributed included 300 bags of 25kg rice, 300 bags of 25kg maize and 150 cartons of spaghetti.
“These relief materials are not intended to compensate for losses suffered, but to demonstrate our shared humanity and commitment to your recovery,” Umar said.
She commiserated with affected residents and reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to timely and effective disaster response.
“In the face of climate change, there is a need for governments, especially at the grassroots, to intensify sensitisation and initiate policies that help communities combat weather-related disasters,” she added.
The House of Representatives member for Akoko North-East/North-West Federal Constituency, Ifeoluwa Ehindero, praised the Federal Government for the intervention.
Represented by his Special Assistant on Logistics, Mr Peter Paul, Ehindero assured beneficiaries of transparent distribution of the items.
Speaking on behalf of the victims, Mr Muyiwa Adu thanked the Federal Government and NEMA for their support during what he described as a difficult period.
Several communities in Ondo State were hit by severe floods in July after heavy rainfall damaged roads, bridges and houses, displaced residents and disrupted economic activities.
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Affected areas included Uso, Okitipupa, Ilaje, Ese-Odo and Akoko South-West Local Government Areas.
