On Saturday, no fewer than 2,000 victims of the 2023 flood in the Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi received assorted relief materials worth N80 million for the 2023 flood victims
The materials were distributed by a member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Mr. Chinedu Ogah, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at Ohatekwe Amagu in the Ikwo Local Government Area of the state.
The relief materials distributed to the people included bags of rice, beans, garri, mattresses, blankets, cash, and other non-food items.
He lauded President Bola Tinubu for granting the request to assist victims of disaster in various constituents of the state.
He also commended the vice president, Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila and the state governor , Chief Francis Nwifuru, for their support so far.
“I also thank the Director General of NEMA, Mr. Mustapha Ahmed, for giving us a sense of belonging,” Ogah said.
The Zonal Coordinator, South-East, NEMA, Mrs. Ngozi Echeazu said the donation was made to June 2023 flood victims to alleviate their suffering.
Echeazu, who was represented by an official of the agency, Mr. Nnayelugo Ezeani, said the donation was not compensation or replacement for their huge losses but encouragement and support from the federal government to assist them.
She said that there was a need for early campaigns, continuous sensitization, meetings, and collaboration among community leaders to prevent and address the menace of flooding.
“In June 2023, NEMA and the state agency came for assessment to ascertain the level of damage that affected buildings, household items, farmlands, and economic trees, among others.
“People should ensure they do not build on waterways and flood-prone areas,” Echeazu said.
The Chairman of the Council Area, Mr. Sunday Nwankwo, lauded the Federal Government and the lawmaker for attracting the gesture to the area.
Nwankwo disclosed that the state government was making plans to reduce the trend in the state.
“There is a need for continuous enlightenment to people on the best ways of reducing the impact of floods,” Nwankwo said.
