The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has commenced the distribution of relief materials to flood-affected communities in Alimosho Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State.
The event, held on Tuesday, aimed to provide aid to seven communities severely impacted by flooding earlier in 2024, including Oke-Ishagun, Command Bridge, Ikola, Isale Aboru, Olubodun, Ajayi, and Olusola Esan.
NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, represented by Mrs. Ibitayo Adenike, Head of Operations at the Lagos Territorial Office, expressed condolences to the affected communities and highlighted the damage caused by the floods, which displaced families and damaged properties and infrastructure.
Following the disaster, NEMA conducted a Rapid Needs Assessment to gauge the impact and made recommendations to the federal government.
The relief materials distributed include food items such as rice, beans, garri, vegetable oil, as well as foam mattresses and clothing.
Umar emphasized the need for collective responsibility in reducing flood risks, urging residents to avoid blocking waterways and to practice proper waste management.
Mr. Bosun Olukolade, Head of Special Duties at the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), thanked the federal government for its support.
Olukolade reiterated the state’s commitment to keeping drainages clear.
He urged residents to stop dumping waste into canals and to use proper waste disposal methods.
Chief Olalekan James, representing Oke-Ishagun, also expressed gratitude for the relief materials.
James called on both the federal and state governments to improve infrastructure, particularly roads and drainage systems, to prevent future flood-related tragedies.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Olaleye Kazeem, appreciated the government for the support and urged for continued canal dredging to reduce flood risks during heavy rains.
