Ebonyi State Government has distributed assorted relief materials worth N80 million to at least 2,000 victims of the 2023 flood in Ikwo Local government Area of the state.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the materials were distributed by member, representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Mr Chinedu Ogah in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency at Ohatekwe Amagu in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state.
The relief materials distributed, included bags of rice, beans, garri, mattresses, blankets, cash and other non food items to the people.
He then hailed President Bola Tinubu for granting the request to assist victims of disaster in various constituents of the state.
He equally lauded the Vice president, Kashim Shettima, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President 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, disclosed that the donation was made to June 2023 flood victims, to alleviate the suffering of the victims.
Echeazu, who was represented by an official of the agency, Mr Nnayelugo Ezeani, stressed that the donation was not a compensation and replacement for their huge losses but encouragement, support from the federal government to assist them.
She emphasized the need for early campaign, continuous sensitisation, meetings and collaboration among community leaders to prevent and address the menace of flood.
“In June 2023, NEMA and the state agency came for assessment as to ascertain the level of damage which affected buildings, household items, farmlands, economic trees among others.
“People should ensure they do not build on water ways and flood prone areas,” Echeazu said.
The Chairman of the Council area, Mr Sunday Nwankwo, commended the Federal Government and the lawmaker for attracting the gesture to the area.
Nwankwo said that the state government was making plans to reduce the trend in the state.
“There is need for continuous enlightenment to people on best ways of reducing impact of flood,” Nwankwo said.
