Oyebanji urges tree planting to mitigate effects of rainstorms

Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, has appealed to residents of the state to embrace tree planting to mitigate the alarming destruction of buildings by rainstorms.

The governor said this, on Monday, in Itapaji-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area , while inspecting some buildings that were destroyed by rainstorm in the town.

Oyebanji, represented by the deputy governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, said the recurrent havoc in some communities could have been averted, if residents had planted trees capable of serving as buffers against wind storms.

He said that available records indicated that 10 buildings including a public institution were affected by the rainstorm while 50 people had been rendered homeless

Oyebanji also advised landlords to ensure that not only quality building materials are used, but that qualified professionals are employed for construction works.

The governor sympathised with the victims, and pledged the support of the state government to provide temporary accommodation to those who had been rendered homeless.

“This is one occurrence that is heart-rending, very devastating. I have never seen any rainstorm of this extent.

“Not long ago, we went to inspect some buildings that were destroyed at Ijelu-Ekiti and Omu-Ekiti in Oye Local Government.

The recurrence of this kind of incidence is becoming worrisome to us as a government .

“We thank God that nobody died, but losing property under this avoidable situation is painful.

We want our people to embrace tree planting around their houses. Trees are wind breakers that can help us protect our structures against damage,” Oyebanji stated.

The deputy governor visited the home of a 120-year-old victim, Chief Fabunmi Ajayi to sympathise with her over the damage to her building.

Conducting Adefuye and other officials round the community, the Olu of Itapaji-Ekiti, Oba Abdulazees Adebanjo, thanked the state government for promptly visiting the scene and showing compassion to the victims.

Oba Adebanjo, who was represented by Oluketu of Itapaji, Chief Olaoye Olusesan, appealed to the government to come to the aid of the victims and give support that could bail them out their current precarious situation.

The traditional ruler also implored the governor to assist in restoring electricity to the agrarian community, which had been in darkness for 16 years.

“The last time we had electricity supply here in Itapaji was 2008. This had affected our local economy.

“Some of those who were into private businesses had either folded up or left the town. We need help in this regard”, Oba Adebanjo said.

On the governor’s entourage were: Chairman of Ikole Local Government, Mr Bayo Omojola, his counterpart in Ajoni LCDA, Mr Michael Ogungbemi, Director General, Office of Community Engagement, Mrs Mary Oso- Omotoso, General Manager, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Kayode Asaolu, among others.