Amby Uneze in Owerri
The flood tragedy that devastated parts of Egbema and Oguta in the Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta local government areas of Imo State has received a welcome response from the Imo State administration for the displaced families. Some humanitarian supplies that will lessen the impact of the natural disaster were given to the victims.
The State government provided relief supplies, including food items, to hundreds of the internally displaced people whose houses and crops were drowned by flood as a result of the overflowing of Oguta Lake and other rivers in the vicinity.
In addition to a hot rice lunch served to the victims at the camp where they were temporarily relocated, the relief supplies included 400 bags of 50 kg of rice, beds, pillows, blankets, cartons of noodles, water packs, and water cans.
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, caused by a natural disaster, occurred at a time of serious economic recession.
Uzodimma who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Professor Placid Njoku, sympathised with the victims and assured them that the government will stand by them throughout the challenging period.
He said everything possible would be done to alleviate their suffering, including seeking assistance from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). He charged the leadership of Ohaji/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 boost to the area.
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 enumerated the items, promising that the "palliatives and other assistance will continue to be provided until your lives must have improved substantially."
In his remarks, the Minister of Education State, Goodluck Nana Opiah, who is also an indigene of the area as well as a victim, 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 come and assist the people at a time like this, "a time of need."
Opiah used the opportunity to inform his people that "Governor Uzodimma single-handedly nominated and recommended" him to the President to be made a Minister and requested them to join him in thanking him so much.
Some of the internally displaced persons who decried the devastation to their farmlands and loss of crops noted that the latest incident was the worst they have experienced in recent times, since the 2012 and 2016 flood disasters.
They however appealed for more assistance and relief items for other communities - Opuma in Egbema, Ezi-Orsu, Osemoto, Egbuoma all in Oguta, among others in the two Local Government Areas.
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