The Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ), Ekiti State Council, has called on the Ekiti State Government and residents to take urgent and collective action to prevent flooding across the state.
The appeal follows recent heavy rainfall that flooded roads and damaged properties in parts of Ado-Ekiti and other communities.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued after the union’s June Congress held on Wednesday at the Tai Oguntayo Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Oke Bareke, Ado-Ekiti.
The communiqué, signed by the council’s secretary, Seun Ogunsakin, noted that members expressed concern over the rising threat of flooding and stressed the importance of proactive environmental management to prevent further disasters.
According to the union, residents must play their part by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels, describing the practice as one of the major causes of blocked waterways and urban flooding.
The NUJ also urged the state government to intensify efforts in clearing blocked drains and opening up waterways to allow the free flow of stormwater during the rainy season.
While sympathising with residents affected by the recent downpour, the union warned against the continued construction of buildings on waterways, describing it as a dangerous practice that puts lives, property, and the environment at risk.
Beyond flooding, the Congress also called on the government and security agencies to strengthen surveillance and take decisive action against criminal activities in the state, stressing that peace and security remain vital for development.
The union further raised concern over what it described as declining moral standards among students, urging parents, school owners, government, and education stakeholders to reinforce discipline and uphold moral values among pupils and students.
