No fewer than 5,000 victims of the 2022 flood disaster in Ebonyi state have received assorted relief materials, estimated in millions of naira.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the state government, on Wednesday in Abakaliki, distributed farm inputs and relief materials to selected genuine farmers affected by the flood disaster.

The event featured the inauguration and distribution of relief materials to the victims.

The director-general of NEMA, Mustapha Ahmed, commended the state for providing his office with the opportunity.

Mr Ahmed, who was represented by Kadiri Olarenwaju, disclosed that nine other states would benefit when the next tranche of materials arrived. 

Gov. Francis Nwifuru said that the state government was determined to provide the victims of disasters with succour to change the narrative of the people of Ebonyi.

Mr Nwifuru, who was represented by the deputy governor, Patricia Obila, disclosed that about 10 warehouses were still fully loaded with similar materials across the council areas for further distribution.

He said it was made so to reduce the burden and inconveniences associated with the exercise.

“After this flag-off, the rest of distributions will be done at the council areas to lessen any burden,” Mr Nwifuru said.

Ann Aligwe, commissioner for human capital development, said that the event would continue after the flag-off until all the targeted persons are captured.

Ms Aligwe applauded NEMA and the state governor for always responding to the needs of disaster victims at all times.

“The state partnered with NEMA in empowering the 5,000 persons with water pumping machines, nap sack sprayers, yam and rice seedlings, mosquito nets, and clothing, among others,” Ms Aligwe said.

Ben Okah, chairman of the occasion, said that the distribution of the farm inputs and relief materials was to improve agriculture and ameliorate the sufferings of the victims affected by the flood disaster.

“This occasion is meant for the farmers affected by the flood, it is not only important but also in line with the governor’s charter of needs to encourage affected genuine farmers to go back to their various farms,” Mr Okah said.

He said that Mr Nwifuru had been consistent in fulfilling his promise to the people.

Lydia Nweke and Benedict Alubo, on behalf of beneficiaries, lauded the federal and state governments for assisting victims of various disasters in the state.

(NAN)