Reprieve came the way of flood victims in Egbema and Oguta local government areas of Imo State at the weekend when Governor Hope Uzodimma handed over to them different items that will help to cushion the effects of the natural disaster.
Hundreds of the internally displaced persons whose homes and farms were submerged by flood as a result of the over-flowing of Oguta Lake and other rivers in Egbema and Oguta local government areas received relief materials, including food items from the state government.
The relief materials comprised 400 bags of 50kg rice, mattresses, pillows, blankets, cartons of indomie noodles, water packs, jerry cans, among others as well as a meal of rice which was served the victims at the camp where they were temporarily housed.
The government also promised to provide the victims with at least one hot meal every day for the next two weeks.
Addressing the victims at the various camps at Abacheke in Egbema and Oguta Girls Primary School respectfully, Governor Uzodimma regretted that the unfortunate situation occurred at a time of serious economic recession.
Governor Uzodimma who was represented by his deputy, Professor Placid Njoku, sympathized with the victims and assured them that government will stand by them throughout the challenging period.
He said everything possible would be done to alleviate their sufferings, including seeking assistance from National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Governor Uzodimma charged the leadership of Egbema and Oguta local government areas to ensure that the relief items are distributed to those they were meant for, and warned that they will be held accountable for any lapses.
The governor further reassured the people that the Federal Government’s approval for the dredging of the Oguta Lake and Orashi River would go a long way in mitigating the effects of disasters caused by flood in addition to bringing economic prosperity to the area.
Addressing his kinsmen at Abacheke, the Minister of State for Education, Goodluck Nana Opiah thanked the governor and Government of Imo State for coming to the rescue of his people when it mattered most.
He however requested the governor to appeal to the oil companies operating in their areas to see reason to assist the people at this time of need.
Opiah informed his people that “Governor Uzodimma single-handedly nominated and recommended” him to the president to be appointed a minister and requested them to join him in thanking him.
In his speech, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Imo State Oil Producing Development Commission (ISOPADEC), Chief Charles Orie said that “it is as a result of the governor’s passion for the people of Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta that he approved that the various materials and food items be sent to them without delay.”
Orie promised that the “palliatives and other assistance will continue to be provided until your lives must have improved substantially.”
Some of the internally displaced persons decried the devastation to their farmlands and loss of crops in
They noted that the latest incident was the worst they have experienced in recent times, since the 2012 and 2016 flood disasters.
One of them, Mrs. Okwudili Okechukwu expressed her heartfelt appreciation to government for timely intervention with the relief items.
Mr. Ochije Uzoma Bernard also thanked God that they survived the flood and lauded Governor Uzodimma for coming to their assistance.
