Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has appealed to residents of the state to embrace tree planting around residential buildings to reduce the rate of destruction by rainstorm.
He made the appeal following Monday’s rainstorm at Itapaji-Ekiti, in Ikole Local Council.
The incident led to the destruction of buildings, including a public institution, and rendered over 50 people homeless.
Oyebanji said the recurrent building wreckage being witnessed in some communities could have been averted, if residents had embraced tree planting to break wind speed during torrential downpours.
He was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, during an on-the-spot assessment in the town.
The governor sympathised with the victims and pledged to support those who were rendered homeless.
“This is an occurrence that is heartrending, very devastating. I have never seen any rainstorm of this extent. Not long ago, we went to inspect some buildings that were destroyed at Ijelu and Omu-Ekiti in Oye Local Council. The reoccurrence of this kind of incident is becoming worrisome to us as a government.
“We thank God that nobody died. But losing property under this avoidable situation is painful. We want our people to embrace tree planting around their houses. Trees are windbreakers that can help to protect our structures against damage.
“Besides tree planting, we should endeavour to carry out regular turnaround maintenance on our buildings. This is very essential to avoid losing our buildings to rainstorms,” Oyebanji said.
The governor also visited the home of a 120-year old victim, Chief Ajayi Fabunmi, to sympathise with her over the destruction of her building.
Conducting the governor and other officials round the scene, the Olu of Itapaji, Oba Abdulazees Adebanjo (who was represented by the Oluketu of Itapaji, Chief Olaoye Olusesan), applauded the state governor for the compassionate visit to the community.
