Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has charged residents to be more proactive at reducing cases of natural disasters which claim lives and valuable properties.
The incidences could be prevented if precautions are taken to forestall them, he said at the flag-off ceremony for the distribution of relief materials to victims of natural disasters in the state.
The event was held at the warehouse of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in Adehun, Ado-Ekiti.
Fayose said it is painful seeing people lose their lives and valuable properties to disasters which can be prevented with simple measures.
Fayose, represented by Deputy Governor, Kolapo Olusola, noted that most disasters are caused by those who erect structures on waterways or use substandard building materials and electrical wares for building construction.
He advised the people to consider the future implications of whatever they do in the present to forestall preventable disasters.
Fayose said his administration would ensure that no Ekiti resident, irrespective of tribe, religious or party affiliation, would be allowed to suffer unnecessarily, no matter the circumstances.
He thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for providing the relief materials through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and pledged that they would be distributed judiciously to only genuine victims.
NEMA Head of operations in Ekiti, Saheed Akiode, commiserated with the victims and assured them of government help.
He thanked the state government for its proactive measures and prompt response at ensuring that the materials got to the victims.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Olayemi James and two others thanked the state and federal governments for giving them succour.
Materials distributed included iron roofing sheets, nails, cement, mattresses, ceiling boards, blankets, guinea brocade, detergent, and foodstuff.
