By Popoola Jamiu, Abeokuta
Victims of the recent windstorm that ravaged Iwopin and neighbouring communities in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State have been assured of prompt relief intervention to cushion the impact of the disaster.
The Director of the Ogun State Emergency Management Agency (OGSEMA), Mr. Soji Durojaye, gave the assurance during an assessment tour of affected homes, schools, religious centres, farmlands and business premises in the area.
Durojaye sympathised with the affected residents and assured them that the Ogun State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, would provide support to alleviate their suffering.
He also urged residents to heed warnings on climate change and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMet) predictions regarding possible flooding and other weather-related disasters in the state.
Also speaking during the visit, the Head of Operations of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibadan Office, Mr. Deji Yinusa, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to building resilient communities and responding promptly to disasters.
According to him, NEMA remains dedicated to reducing the impact of emergencies on affected populations through timely interventions and support.
Earlier, the traditional ruler of Iwopin, Oba Agboji Adeniyi, said the windstorm had displaced many residents and caused extensive damage to property and economic activities worth millions of naira.
The monarch appealed to all levels of government to urgently assist the affected communities.
He also drew the attention of the state government to concerns over emissions from the nearby Dangote Refinery, which he said pose environmental and health risks to residents of the ancient town.
Among those who joined the assessment tour were representatives of the Ogun State House of Assembly member representing Ogun Waterside State Constituency, Hon. Lawal Adekunle, represented by Hon. Ekundayo Owoseni, as well as officials from Sagamu Local Government.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Sagamu Local Government, Ogbeni Jubril Odulate, has called on residents and traders to maintain proper sanitation practices to prevent disease outbreaks and environmental hazards.
Speaking while monitoring the weekly environmental sanitation exercise at local markets, Odulate stressed that cleanliness should be a daily responsibility rather than a periodic activity.
He urged traders and residents to keep their surroundings clean, dispose of waste properly and refrain from dumping refuse in drainage channels and waterways to prevent flooding, especially during the rainy season.
The council chairman further advised residents to maintain high standards of personal and environmental hygiene to reduce the risk of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
He pledged his administration’s continued support for initiatives aimed at promoting public health and environmental sustainability.
In separate interviews, the Iyaloja of Falawo Market, Chief (Mrs.) Olasode Oduwaye, and the Iyaloja of Sagamu International Market, Chief (Mrs.) Olasumbo Nelly, commended the government for its support towards market development.
They also pledged the cooperation of traders in maintaining a clean environment and preventing disease outbreaks within their communities.
Communities affected by the windstorm include Ilamo, Eyindi, Surulere, Araromi, Ayegbami, Abata, Ogi-Ogo, Idigbo, Ido San, Idi-Aba and Olojumeta, among others.