IGBOKODA, NIGERIA — The Ondo State Government has commenced the distribution of essential relief materials to thousands of flood victims in riverine communities, as nearly 10,000 affected residents registered for assistance in Ilaje Local Government Area alone following devastating floods that submerged homes and submerged the council secretariat for almost a week .
The flag-off ceremony, held on Tuesday at the Igbokoda local government secretariat, marked the beginning of a coordinated intervention involving the state government, the National Emergency Management Agency, and the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency to cushion the impact of the disaster on affected families .
Sustained and heavy rainfall across Ondo State beginning in early August 2026 triggered widespread riverine and urban flooding across at least seven Local Government Areas, inundating homes, submerging roads and bridges, and displacing large numbers of residents. The situation in Ilaje Local Government Area was described as the most critical, with Igbokoda community, including the Naval Base and the council headquarters, submerged. Displaced residents were observed sleeping under improvised shelters by the roadside, while others sought refuge with friends and relatives in other LGAs .
Items distributed to victims included essential foodstuffs, mattresses, blankets, and other materials considered necessary to support residents as they recover from the impact of the flood . The Ondo State Deputy Governor and Chairman of ODSEMA, Dr Olayide Adelami, who spoke at the event held at Igbokoda, said the gesture was carried out to cushion the effects of the disaster on affected families. Represented by the agency’s Secretary, Mr Richard Aina, the deputy governor reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening emergency response mechanisms and ensuring that vulnerable residents receive appropriate assistance whenever disasters occur .
Adelami appealed to all residents of flood-prone communities to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant government agencies to minimise the risk of further loss of lives and property. He stressed the importance of collective responsibility in tackling flooding, urging residents to practice proper waste disposal, keep drainage channels clear, and avoid activities capable of obstructing natural waterways .
The Head of Operations at NEMA’s Ado-Ekiti/Ondo Operations Office, Mr Olanrewaju Kazeem, stated that the distribution was aimed at cushioning the impact of the flood disaster on affected residents of Ilaje. Kazeem explained that NEMA had conducted a sensitisation exercise before the distribution to educate beneficiaries on disaster prevention, preparedness, and appropriate responses during emergencies. He noted that although the relief items might not completely compensate victims for their losses, they were intended to provide immediate support and help them recover from the devastating effects of the incidents .
Earlier, the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Hon. Maurice Oripenaye, said the intervention was made possible through the efforts of the state government, noting that the large turnout of residents at the distribution centre was a reflection of the devastating impact of the flooding on communities across the local government area. According to Oripenaye, records compiled by the local government showed that nearly 10,000 residents affected by the flood had registered to receive assistance . Recalling the severity of the flooding, the council chairman said the local government secretariat itself was submerged for almost a week, forcing workers to temporarily stay away from the premises until the floodwaters receded .
To ensure transparency, equity, and trust in the distribution process, Oripenaye announced the establishment of a comprehensive, inclusive distribution committee incorporating traditional rulers, local Baales, representatives of the Landlord Association, women’s groups, and youth leaders. This grassroots-driven committee has been mandated to ensure that relief items reach the actual victims of the natural disasters, extending street-by-street through Igbokoda and reaching deep into outlying communities and remote settlements that often struggle to access centralized aid .
The Ondo State Government has deployed amphibious excavators to clear and desilt waterways, canals and drainage channels, particularly in the riverine areas of Ilaje LGA, on the directive of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa . As the rainy season continues and the threat of further flooding looms, officials stress that prevention remains the most effective strategy—and that collective responsibility in environmental management will be key to reducing the risk of future disasters .
