The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expressed his sympathy with the people of Ikire on the flood disaster that wrecked havoc on the western part of the state, assuring the people of his government’s commitment to address root cause of the flood and the fast tracking of the ongoing state flood prevention plan.
In a statement on Saturday signed by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke said his administration has previously embarked on prevention actions and initiatives, citing the massive rainfall as cause of the sad event.
He said his administration has activated emergency measures to rescue people and livelihoods hugely impacted by the flooding, assuring victims of the incident that the government will do all in its capacity to support them.
“It is touching to learn about the monumental damages that flood has wrecked on homes and livelihoods in Ikire. The scale of the losses suffered by our people as a result of the flood disaster is too heavy, especially at a time of economic strain as now,” the statement reads in part.
“I want to, on behalf of the State Government, convey heartfelt sympathy to everyone affected in one way or the other. As a government, we stand with the people of Ikire in this difficult moment, and assure them of our commitment to support them and overcome the challenges posed by the incident.
“Before this incident, our government has taken flood prevention steps, which includes expanding waterways and opening up water channels to ensure free-flow of water to avert flooding. We will intensify efforts in this regard and ensure that we guide against the kind of experience seen in Ikire.
“I have already directed the Commissioner of Environment to address the root cause of the flooding so as to forestall future occurrence. The people of Osun can be rest assured that we are doing everything possible to tackle flooding in the state.”
Governor Adeleke urged the people of Ikire and Osun people as a whole not to panic as his government will be mobilizing every resources to confront the challenge and keep them and their properties safe, enjoining people of the state to stop the practice of dumping refuse on water ways among other factors that could cause flooding.