Ekiti Government Compensates Traders Affected By Rainstorm With Cash Gifts

By Philip Tayo

The Ekiti State Government has compensated traders whose shops and businesses were affected by the recent rainstorms across the local government areas of the State with cash gifts at the Lady Jibowu hall, government house grounds in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State on Tuesday.

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It would be recalled that the rainstorm destroyed numerous shops and goods worth millions of naira, leaving many traders in distress.

Following the incidence, the State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, as a way of sympathising with the victims, reassured them of the government’s commitment to helping them recover.

To fulfill the Governor’s promise to support the affected traders, the General Manager of the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Mr Oludare Asaolu, emphasised that the compensation was based on a careful assessment, as well as collaboration with key agencies, including the Ministry of Budget and Urban Planning, to assess the damage and provide immediate relief.

After some evaluation, traders affected by the rainstorm were given cheques to support and help them recover on time.

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Speaking at the cheque presentation on Thursday, the General Manager of SEMA Mr Dare, emphasized that the compensation was based on a careful assessment.

“Our government is not interested in giving out relief to people, because he doesn’t want any bad thing to happen to anybody. What is needed from us is to be more proactive and take steps to minimize the occurrence of natural disasters in the State.

“To our people affected by the rainstorm, we sympathize with you and we want to assure you that what we want to give you today, might not be enough to recover all you’ve lost, but just to let you know that we have a government that is sympathetic enough and that has apathy for the people”, Mr Dare revealed.

While speaking at the event, the Leader of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Honourable Tolulope Ige eulogized the efforts of the Governor.

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“The Governor thought the event of today has been able to bring human face to the people, by proving that true leadership is based on trust, equity and fairness.

“To our tax payers and beneficiaries, let me congratulate each of you, who were selected to be part of the benefits.

Honourable Tolulope Ige further encourages citizens on the benefits of paying tax.

He urged the residents of the State not to see the payment of tax as a burden, but rather, as a seed sown into their future, and seen and value by the government to enable them stand by them at all times.

Similarly, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mrs Habibat Adubiaro praised the government’s swift response, describing it as a reflection of the governor’s concern for the people of Ekiti State.

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“I must appreciate His Excellency, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, what we are doing today is unprecedented. It is only telling us that this government is also sharing the pain of the people and have them at heart”, Adubiaro stated

One of the beneficiaries, Kingsley Chukwuebuka expressed his gratitude, saying, “I appreciate Mr governor for assisting us financially, God will continue to bless Ekiti state government”.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Omoyeni Adebimpe, also appreciated the gesture, saying, “this money may not replace everything we lost, but it will certainly help us rebuild. I sincerely thank the Governor and EKIRS for coming to our aid”, she submitted.

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