Senate urges Governor to evaluate, address state flooding issues
The Senate on Tuesday, October 8, urged the Ondo state government to conduct an urgent on-the-spot-assessment of the flooding which frequently occurs in the areas with a view to finding a lasting solution to the menace.
The Senate also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to immediately, mobilise relief materials for the people displaced by the devastating flood in Ondo West Local Government Area in Ondo State.
It also called on the Federal Ministry of Power to ensure that the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) restores electricity supply to the affected areas.
It urged the federal government to develop a swift and robust response to natural disasters of such nature.
The resolutions of the Senate followed its consideration and adoption of a motion titled: The recent devastating flood that caused widespread destruction in Ondo West Local Government Area, Ondo Central Senatorial District, Ondo State, sponsored by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire SAN, APC – Ondo Central).
Rising under matters urgent public importance pursuant to Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended), Senator Adegbonmire in his lead debate, said the The Senate is aware with deep sadness that “no fewer than 1,000 homes, 25 schools; 20 worship centres and over 7,000 people were affected and rendered homeless following the heavy downpour of Friday, 4th October, 2024, which lasted for several hours; displaced thousands and caused significant damage across multiple communities in the ancient city of Ondo in Ondo Central Senatorial District, Ondo State.
“Further aware that the flood affected Itanla, Oka, Odojomu, Oke-Odunwo, Bethlehem, Olorunishola, Fagun Area, Jilalu Area, New town Gani Street, Yaba Police Station, Ademulegun Road, Akure-Ondo Expressway, Ife Road communities among others, all in Ondo, Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
“Saddened by the impact of the natural disaster on the lives of the affected communities, especially the most vulnerable, including women, children and the elderly.
“Some children were declared missing, property worth millions of naira were destroyed, residents of the affected communities now find themselves homeless by the flood disaster as their houses and vehicles in the affected streets were submerged.
“Further saddened that this pathetic situation has inflicted untold hardship on residents of these areas, particularly children, the elderly, shop owners and small-scale business owners.
“Concerned that this situation, in addition to the loss of lives, property and means of livelihood has affected negatively the shelter, security, food, medical care, clean water, electricity and economic lives of the people resulting in untold hardship. This has further exacerbated the already challenging economic situation of the affected persons who have suffered personal and commercial losses.
“Convinced that the utmost concern and purpose of government is the security and welfare of the people in line with Section 14 (2) b of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and there is need to act urgently.”
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Senators Kaka Shehu Lawan (Borno Central),
Ahmed Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West),
Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North), Lola Ashiru (Kwara South), Patrick Ndubueze (Imo North) and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin and Prof Anthony Ani (Ebonyi South) supported the motion among others.
Senators approved the prayers of the motion when they were put to voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Akpabio in his remarks prayed that God would grant succour to the over 7,000 persons displaced by the flood.
