The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday distributed N35million to persons whose property were gutted by fire recently.
Oyebanji said that about N100m was spent by the government on such occurrences within the last 12 months.
Oyebanji, represented by the deputy governor, Christiana Afuye, made this known in Ado Ekiti while distributing cheques to the second batch of victims of fire disasters in the state.
The deputy governor said that the state government in 2025 expended an aggregate of N150m to mitigate the sufferings of rainstorm victims across the 16 council areas, saying, “This humongous expenditure, shouldered by the Oyebanj administration, attests to how people-centric his government was.”
She bemoaned the wanton destruction of property under avoidable circumstances as she acknowledged the trauma, distress and uncertainty the victims must have suffered in the course of losing their priceless property to devastating fire incidents.
The deputy governor urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds and become more alert to ensuring that all proactive and intelligent actions were deployed to avert recurrence of these kinds of devastating incidents.
She said, “Fire disaster is one of the most devastating occurrences anyone or any family can experience. In a matter of minutes, years of hard work, investment and cherished memories can be reduced to ashes.
“We acknowledge the trauma, distress and uncertainty that such incidents bring and we deeply sympathise with every victim affected by these unfortunate events.
“No amount of money you are given can replace whatever you have lost. But Governor Oyebanji believes this intervention will provide a measure of relief and serve as a motivation for recovery, rebuilding and renewed hope.”
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Idowu Oba applauded the governor for his timely intervention, urging his colleagues to spend the funds provided wisely and support Oyebanji to accomplish the task of making Ekiti safe for all citizens.
Recall that the state government in 2025 made a similar presentation to victims of a fire incident where over N50m was distributed.
The state government said, “It is our expectation that the beneficiaries will judiciously utilise this support to reestablish their livelihoods and regain stability.”
