Ekiti Governor Gives $70K to Fire Victims

When fire reduces years of hard work to ashes in minutes, starting over can feel impossible. But for dozens of families in Ekiti State, Nigeria, their governor just made recovery a little more possible.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji distributed 35 million naira (about $70,000 USD) to families whose homes and businesses were destroyed by recent fires. The funds went directly to victims through check presentations in the state capital of Ado Ekiti on Tuesday.

This is the second round of fire relief payments in recent months. In 2025, the state government distributed over 50 million naira to another group of fire victims, bringing total disaster spending to 100 million naira for fire incidents alone.

Deputy Governor Christiana Afuye delivered the checks and acknowledged the emotional toll of losing everything. "No amount of money can replace what you've lost," she told recipients. "But this intervention will provide some relief and serve as a catalyst for recovery, rebuilding, and renewed hope."

The state has faced multiple disasters beyond fires. Officials spent an additional 150 million naira helping families recover from rainstorm damage across all 16 council areas last year.

State Emergency Management Agency head Oludare Asaolu explained that quick approval of relief funds allows the government to reach victims faster. The agency recently partnered with Lagos State's emergency management team to improve training and equipment for future responses.

The Ripple Effect

Officials are turning victims into advocates. Information Commissioner Taiwo Olatunbosun asked beneficiaries to share fire safety messages in their communities, making them ambassadors for prevention.

National Emergency Management Agency official Kofoworola Soneye emphasized that disaster prevention requires everyone's participation. "If you see something, you must speak up," she said. "We shouldn't leave it to the government alone."

Beneficiary Idowu Oba thanked the governor and promised recipients would use the funds wisely to rebuild their livelihoods. He pledged to support efforts making Ekiti safer for all residents.

When governments respond quickly to help citizens rebuild after tragedy, they restore more than buildings.