The Niger Delta Development Commission has presented relief materials and palliatives to the various communities in Delta State “that were greatly impacted by the 2022 flood disaster.”
The presentation was made to community leaderships, including women groups and youth groups drawn from the 25 local government areas of Delta State, on Friday at the Sapele Athletic Club in Sapele, by the Delta State representative on the board of the NDDC, Monday Igbuya, on behalf of the Chairman of the Board of the interventionist agency, Chiedu Ebie.
Truckloads of items distributed at the event comprised bags of rice, bags of beans, mattresses, vegetable oil, noodles, toiletries, tomato paste, boats, cassava milling machines, sewing and grinding machines as well as cooking salt, among others.
Speaking during the distribution, Igbuya noted that “the palliatives were aimed at addressing the plights of victims of flood now grasping with the present economic crunch” adding that the initiative was part of swift responses by President Bola Tinubu in cushioning their hardship.
He said, “You remember the flood happened in 2022 and as you know President Bola Tinubu was not in office then, so was the NDDC Managing Director and Chairman of the board.
“Even though it happened in 2022, the victims are still in the throes of the aftermath. And when the issue came up, the President graciously approved this relief operation.
“The President’s Renewed Hope agenda made it imperative for the Commission to reach out to the victims, most of whom are still faced with mounting challenges from the disaster”.
Igbuya maintained that the NDDC is committed to programmes that would impact the people positively, emphasising that the board is engaging in activities that truly reflect the people’s needs and the mandate of the board.
He also pointed out that “the welfare of the people is paramount to the Commission, “noting that “despite the fact that the 2022 flood took place during the tenure of the previous government, the board is guided to deliver optimally and deliver people-oriented programmes for the growth and development of the Niger Delta region.”
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Onoriode Ogodo, of the Sapele-Okpe community, while thanking the NDDC, assured that “the items will go far in supporting those who lost homes and means of livelihoods during the floods.”
In his contribution, Mr. Felix Emuobo, the President-General of the Elume community in Sapele LGA, commended the NDDC for their effort towards bringing relief to the communities.
“With the materials in the right hands, we can rebuild and support our people through these difficult times,” he stated.