In order to enhance public awareness ont proper waste management and its implications on flooding, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Ekiti State Government have launched a comprehensive sensitization campaign for Ekiti residents.
NEMA DG highlighted risks of indiscriminate refuse disposal
While speaking at the one-day event held in Ado Ekiti, NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, who was represented by the agency’s Head of Operations for Ekiti and Ondo States, Kofoworola Sholeye, emphasized the critical role of proper waste disposal and flood preparedness in ensuring community well-being and environmental health.
According to her, improper waste disposal poses high risks with dire consequences, including flood disasters and severe health issues, which often result in significant property damage and loss of lives.
Sholeye also noted that proactive measures and community education on proper waste management practices are part of the effective ways to address the challenges posed by the menace, noting that many residents have developed the habit of indiscriminate waste dumping over the years.
The sensitization initiative is aimed at raising awareness about the anticipated heavy rainfalls predicted by the Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), which have identified Ekiti as one of the states likely to experience significant rainfall and potential flooding this year.
“It is essential to continuously promote and engage in activities that protect our environment by rapidly enlightening the public on the importance of proper waste disposal,” stated the NEMA boss.
Commending the efforts of the State Emergency Management Agency and other disastermanagement bodies, Umar reiterated NEMA’s commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with the Ekiti State Government to develop sustainable solutions for both natural and human-induced disasters.
Ekiti government sought compliance with state environmental laws
In her goodwill message, the state Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Deputy Governor, Abayomi Opeyemi, urged citizens to comply with state environmental laws by avoiding indiscriminate waste dumping and the construction of structures on riverbanks and flood plains.
The General Manager of SEMA, Oludare Asaolu, expressed gratitude to NEMA for its collaborative efforts to prevent flooding and mitigate its destructive impact on lives and property.
He also praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji for allocating funds for the dredging of waterways in high-risk zones, a proactive measure taken even before NiMet’s weather forecasts indicated the likelihood of heavy rainfall in the third quarter of the year.
Asaolu noted that the governor’s proactive steps last year successfully prevented widespread flooding despite heavy rains.
Echoing these sentiments, the Director General of the Ekiti State Waste Management Board, Olasunkanmi Onipede, urged residents to always dispose of their waste properly, as he also informed the public that the state government had placed waste bins at strategic locations in the capital for easy disposal and collection.
Campaign attended by stakeholders across sectors
The awareness campaign on flood preparedness and waste management saw participation from top officials of the Ekiti State Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, the Bureau of Community Communications, the State Ministry of Health, the Ekiti State Police Command, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Federal Roads Safety Corps, the National Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other relevant stakeholders across the state.
