NEMA, Ebonyi govt flag-off distribution of relief materials to flood victims
By Oswald Agwu
The National Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with Ebonyi State Government has flagged-off the distributed relief materials worth millions of naira to over 1000 victims of flood disaster in the State.
The flag off ceremony was held Tuesday at the old government house, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.
Speaking at the event, the Southeast zonal coordinator of NEMA, Ngozi Echeazu, who represented the NEMA national office, cautioned citizens against hazardous environmental behaviours such as building on drainages and water channels.
He admonished residents to ensure they switch off all electrical and electronic gadgets before leaving their houses and avoid indiscriminate littering of plastic wastes around their environments, among other hazardous behaviours.
He observed that the relief materials were only meant to ameliorate the hardships they face as a result of the disaster and not sufficient to meet all their needs.
Echeazu however urged the people of the State to always report disaster situations promptly to the appropriate State government arms for immediate transmission to NEMA, promising that the Agency will always do its best in assisting disaster victims.
Wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Uzoamaka Nwifuru, while performing the official flag-off assured the victims that the government are aware of their pains and sufferings and will continue to work towards providing sufficient succour to them.
“Today, we witness the tangible commitment of our government to ensure that no one is left behind during difficult times.
“We will not stop; this is just the beginning” the Governor’s wife reassured.
Nwifuru who commended President Bola Tinubu and Governor Francis Nwifuru for their passion for the welfare of citizens, solicited for prayers for the country and her leaders.
The Ebonyi first Lady also appreciated the efforts of the Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring for facilitating the event.
Some of the beneficiaries in an interview expressed joy over the gesture, praying God to bless the source.
Two blind beneficiaries, Gabriel Okike and Friday Uguru from Ohaozara and Izzi local government areas respectively said the relief materials were unexpected.
Okike said: “I am really touched; I am very, very happy because it is unexpected.
“Thanks to the Almighty God, and to the Governor of Ebonyi State and the President of Nigeria who have made this possible.”
Materials distributed included bags of rice, beans, garri; clothing and sleeping materials, among other things.
