By George George ldowu
Ekiti State Government has assured residents that all necessary step are being taken to avert possible flooding as forecasted by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) to affect some states before the end of the year.
The State Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun gave the assurance during a meeting with General Managers of Broadcast Stations in the State and Adaba FM in Akure, Ondo State.
He said over N500million had been devoted to dredging waterways and desilting gutters amongst others to minimize the risk of flood and the attendant avoidable loss of life and property.
Reiterating the commitment of the State Government to the general wellbeing of the people, Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun said that the state would continue to prioritize climate action to mitigate natural disasters, stressing that Ekiti State is well-prepared to ensure that people do not suffer avoidable loss due to the climate change.
He said “Climate change is a concern to us. It has changed shifts rainfall patterns, causing unpredictable floods and longer lasting droughts. The Oyebanji administration has therefore also hugely invested in agriculture with several initiatives and interventions including introduction of mechanized and cluster farming, tractorisation with subsidized ploughing and harrowing, distribution of subsidized chemicals and tools to farmers as well as distribution of high yielding seeds and seedlings with the aim of overcoming the challenges of the climate change”.
“Government has mapped out short, medium and long term plans to overcome the effects of the phenomenon pending possible permanent solution, but it is extremely important for all stakeholders to corporate with the State Government on advisories issued because they are based on well-researched experts’ advices”.
“I can assure you that despite the challenges, with the patience, understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders, we will remain a great nation”.
Olatunbosun urged the General Managers to ensure professionalism in their stations, stressing the need to discourage activities and utterances that may be detrimental to the existing peace and security in the State.
Emphasizing that the State Government is not adverse to constructive criticism, the government spokesman stressed the need to shun statements that may lead to anarchy, adding that it will be wrong for any media organization to disseminate unsubstantiated information that create panic and false security alarm.
“We must think beyond individuals. It is really about the image and integrity of your stations and the effect of what you do to the sanity and socioeconomic wellbeing of the people”, the Commissioner advised.