Ondo Begins Relief Distribution to 7,000 Disaster Victims

The Ondo State Government has commenced the distribution of relief materials and financial assistance to more than 7,000 victims of natural and fire disasters across the state.

The exercise, which was launched in Akure on Thursday, is aimed at supporting residents whose homes, businesses and livelihoods were damaged by rainstorms, fire outbreaks and other emergencies.

The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, who also chairs the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency ODSEMA, said the programme was part of the government’s broader intervention to assist affected communities.

Adelami disclosed that traders whose businesses were affected by fire outbreaks at Ore Market on August 12 and August 30, 2026, would also receive cash assistance.

He said the intervention would cover victims in several local government areas, including Ese-Odo, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, Owo, Akure South, Akoko South-West, Odigbo, Ilaje and Okitipupa.

According to the deputy governor, the programme reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that communities affected by disasters receive support to recover from their losses.

He said the government recognised the difficulties faced by residents whose homes, businesses and sources of income had been disrupted, adding that the assistance was intended to help them rebuild their lives.

Adelami commended ODSEMA officials for identifying affected communities, assessing the extent of damage and coordinating the distribution of relief materials.

He stressed that effective disaster management required prompt assessment, accurate documentation and proper coordination among relevant agencies.

The Vice-Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Mrs Funmi Dapo-Filani, also commended the state government and ODSEMA for extending assistance to affected residents.

She said the intervention would provide needed support as beneficiaries worked to restore their homes, businesses and livelihoods.

The Onirese of Irese, Oba Ahmed Saka, expressed appreciation to the government for assisting residents of his community affected by rainstorms.

The state government urged residents to observe safety guidelines, remain vigilant and report emergencies promptly to the relevant authorities, emphasising the importance of public cooperation in preventing and responding to disasters.

The initiative forms part of the state’s efforts to support vulnerable households and strengthen its response to emergencies across Ondo State.