By Christian ABURIME
Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has called on the federal government to engage more proactive measures against the perennial flooding in the Country.
Governor Soludo made the call while recieving relief materials donated in favour of flood displaced persons in the state by Sir Emeka Offor Foundation.
The materials were recieved at the State Emergency Management Agency Office in Awka.
In addition to the donation of N2.5 Million which has already been distributed to the displaced persons, the foundation also donated 600 Bags of 50Kg rice, 60 Bags of 50Kg Beans, 60 Bags of 50Kg Garri, 500 pieces of 3feet, 6inches mattresses, 500 cartons of Ndomie Noodles, 600 Tubers of Yam, 50 cartons of Tomatoes, 30 cartons of Bathing Soap, 30 cartons of washing soap, 30 Jerrycans of palmoil, 30 cartons of Milo Beverage, 30 cartons of milk, 50 Jerrycans of Vegetable oil, 10 Bags of salt and 10 cartons of Maggi.
In appreciation, Governor Soludo described Sir Emeka Offor as an eminent and illustrious son of Anambra who have been a gift to the state and Nigeria as a whole over the years.
The Governor revealed that he has been following the Foundation closely from 1996 to date, stressing that the donation is not the the first time Sir Emeka Offor is responding to emergency crises, recalling how he generously donated to the Federal Government of Nigeria during the COVID-19 outbreak.
He however, lamented that resources available in the hands of Government is too insignificant because the bulk of resources is in private hands and acknowledged the roles of International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other Development Partners.
“On behalf of the great people of Anambra, I deeply appreciate the Sir Emeka Offor foundation.
“Anambra is the second state largely affected by flood after Jigawa which has led to loss of lives and swept roads, bridges, farmlands and properties.
We expect the Federal Government to do its own part in curbing the menace of flooding, added the Governor.
He advised that Federal Government should act by building sub-dams and installing speed breakers, regretting that citizens are eventually paying the bitter price as result of these perennial flooding
“Due to lack of speed breakers, once water in the dams are released by Cameroun Government, it comes with ferocious speed thereby resulting to flooding in Nigeria”, the Governor further stated
The Executive Secretary of SEMA, Chief Paul Odenigbo gave assurances that the relief items will get to the flood displaced people scattered in camps in the seven affected local government areas of the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, AIG Chris Okey Ezike (RTD) revealed that Sir Emeka Offor is the Rotary International Ambassador of Nigeria, noting that the Foundation was founded in 1996 and formally incorporated in 2006.
According to him, the vision of the Foundation is to alleviate poverty and make significant contributions in matter of charity. He indicated that the Foundation engages in health, human services and empowerment.
He extended his condolences to those who died and lost their means of livelihood as a result of the flood. He also commended the leadership style of Governor Soludo, acknowledging the speed deployed by the Governor in response to the flood menace in the State.
“Our companies are only fulfilling our Corporate Social Responsibility, especially EEDC which have been of great assistance.
“The Foundation had been interfacing with the Chief of Staff to Governor Soludo, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief of Protocol to Governor Soludo, Mr Chinedu Nwoye and the Executive Secretary of SEMA, Chief Paul Odenigbo for making the event possible.
The Director of Partnerships/Outreach, PDG Ijeoma Pearl Okoro made a symbolic presentation of the items list to the Governor.
During the event, Awgbu Town Union also presented a cheque worth one million Naira to the flood-cause.
