In response to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMET) Advisory predicting heavy rainfall and potential flooding in Ekiti and twelve other states, the State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has announced proactive measures to safeguard lives of residents and public infrastructures in the State.

The State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Erelu Aluko Ajisafe in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti urged people to take NiMET’s warnings seriously, noting that the State Government through the Ministry has initiated efforts which include clearing of blocked drainages and waterways in Ado, ikere, and Ekiti South -West Local Government while approval has been secured for a work plan which include aggressive desiltation of lined drains ,culverts and access slabs in Ado, Ikere and Irepodun/Ifelodun Local government, which are considered to be high risk flood zones between June to October,2024 according to the NiMet Advisory.

The Commissioner explained that the Ministry has equally launched a public awareness campaign involving information dissemination through radio announcements, social media, and community engagement to educate residents on flood safety measures.

According to her, the Ministry was working closely with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies and local councils to identify flood-proned areas within their jurisdiction and to coordinate advocacy campaign and mitigation measure specifically in Ado Ekiti considered a high risk flood zones in the State.

The Commissioner said the Ekiti State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources remains fully committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of the State’s residents by working together with relevant MDAs/LGAs/ and LCDAs so that members of the public can effectively mitigate the impact of potential flash flooding and ensure timely responses in case of any emergencies that might arise.