The Ekiti State Government has issued a stern warning to residents constructing buildings on waterways, threatening demolition to curb flooding and protect lives and property.
Deputy Governor Mrs. Monisade Afuye announced the directive on Monday during a Stakeholders’ Engagement on the National Disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign 2025 in Ado Ekiti. The event was organised by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Mrs. Afuye stated that marking and demolishing illegal structures on waterways is essential to deter further encroachments and prevent disasters that could result in loss of lives and destruction of multimillion-naira properties.
“The Nigeria Meteorological Agency predicted Ekiti as one of the possible flashpoints for flooding in 2025, which makes it expedient for local government chairmen to ensure regular desilting of waterways, tree planting, construction of flood barriers, and prevent building on flood-prone areas,” she said.
She appealed to NEMA and SEMA to collaborate with local government chairmen and the Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning to identify and demolish illegal constructions on waterways across the state.
The Deputy Governor also highlighted the state government’s ongoing efforts to support victims of recent disasters including fire outbreaks and rainstorms by providing relief materials and cash gifts. She called on the Federal Government, through NEMA, to assist with additional relief supplies to enhance these efforts.
NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, who was represented by the agency’s Head of Research and Planning, Fred Anusim, emphasized the urgency of the sensitization campaign. She cited recent catastrophic flooding in Niger State, which led to submerged homes and multiple fatalities, attributing such disasters largely to human interference with natural waterways.
Mrs. Umar praised the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency for their accurate annual flood predictions, which have helped reduce disaster impact nationwide.
Dr. Evans Ugoh, NEMA’s Deputy Director of Disaster Risk Reduction, stressed the importance of the four phases of disaster management—mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery—with a focus on prevention and preparedness in Ekiti.
SEMA General Manager Mr. Oludare Asaolu commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for proactive measures such as dredging waterways and drainages, which have helped reduce flooding incidents in the state. However, he warned that continued flooding could lead to death, water contamination, business disruptions, and outbreaks of deadly diseases.
The state government’s firm stance signals a heightened commitment to tackling flooding risks and safeguarding Ekiti communities against the potentially devastating effects of climate change and unchecked urban development.
