From Layi Olanrewaju, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has enjoined Kwarans to take proactive measures to prevent the effects of natural disasters on their lives and property.
Governor Abdulrazaq stated this at the official flag-off of the distribution of relief materials for 2,300 victims of a rainstorm in Ilorin.
Speaking through the Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, Governor Abdulrazaq explained that such proactive measures include tree planting, clearing of drainages and engagement of professional builders among others.
Governor Abdulrazaq assured that the present administration would never abandon Kwarans in time of need, citing recent government’s interventions in Moro, Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas as well as victims of #EndSARS protests as evidence that the government is irrevocably committed to supporting the people irrespective of party or religious affiliations.
‘We will never abandon our people. We will always come through for them within available resources and in the most transparent and dignified manner possible,’ the governor said.
‘Whatever we give is only to show our concern to the plight and well being of our people, it is a demonstration of our resolve to stand by them. We, therefore, urge our people to replicate our responsive and transparent leadership with more support for our efforts for a society founded on sincerity and good brotherliness.’
The governor commended members of the committee for what he described as good work and flagged off the relief fund distribution in the categories of fifty thousand and one hundred thousand naira for the victims.
Speaking earlier, the Chairperson of the committee, Hajia Habibat Yusuf, explained that the exercise was the final phase of the government’s financial assistance to victims of the rainstorm in Ilorin West, Ilorin East, Ilorin South and some parts in Asa Local Government Areas of the state.
Hajia Yusuf recalled that the government had earlier distributed relief materials such as roofing sheets and nails to cushion the disaster’s effect, which was followed by financial support. She said three hundred victims would receive one hundred thousand naira each, five hundred victims would receive fifty thousand naira each while one thousand five hundred victims would receive twenty five thousand naira each.
She thanked the government for its confidence in the committee and counselled the beneficiaries to cultivate the habit of tree planting, desist from indiscriminate tree felling and use of quality building materials to prevent damage from rainstorms.