In a bid to mitigate the impact of the recent windstorm disaster in Obubra Local Government Area, the Cross River State Government, through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has distributed relief materials to over 400 affected victims on Thursday.
The distribution ceremony took place in Ogada II, Obubra Local Government Area, and was attended by members of the State House of Assembly representing Obubra I and II constituencies, Hon. Ovat Agbor and Hon. Egbe Abeng respectively. Also present were community leaders and residents from affected communities, including Ovonum, Apiapum, Ogada and Ofumbongha.
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In his opening remarks, the Director General of SEMA, Apostle (Hon.) James Anam, highlighted the compassionate leadership of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu, emphasizing their commitment to the well-being of the people.
Anam, who acknowledged the extensive challenges caused by disasters, which often lead to sorrow, loss of property, and sometimes lives, noted that while the relief materials provided by the federal government through NEMA, in collaboration with the state, could not fully replace the property lost to the windstorm, they were intended to ease the burden on the affected households.
He commended the Federal Government for the timely intervention and urged for additional assistance to help the victims fully recovery.
He encouraged beneficiaries to make good use of the relief items and assured them of SEMA’s continued collaboration with NEMA, and other agencies to provide further support, including both food and non-food items.
Representing the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, NEMA Uyo Head of Operations, Mrs. Mmandu Aisueni, who expressed sympathy for the victims, reassured them of President Bola Tinubu’s and the ‘People First’ Governor Bassey Otu’s dedication to the welfare of citizens.
She explained that the relief materials were part of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to support disaster victims across the country, noting that while the materials could not replace the losses, they were meant to provide temporary relief to those affected by the windstorm.
While handing over the materials to SEMA for distribution, Aisueni emphasized that recovery is not only about material assistance but also about restoring hope and dignity to the affected families, underscoring that their struggles remain a priority for the government.
She expressed appreciation to Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Federal House of Representatives Member for Etung/Obubra, Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba, and Apostle James Anam for their roles in ensuring the delivery of the relief materials and for their commitment to the welfare of the people.
Additionally, Mrs. Aisueni used the opportunity to call on residents of Obubra and other flood-prone areas in the state to heed early warnings from NEMA, SEMA, and other relevant agencies about the impending flood disaster predicted by NiMet. She urged them to take necessary precautions to minimize the impact of potential flooding and to prioritize preparedness, mitigation, and response efforts.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, a community representative expressed gratitude to the federal and state governments for their kind gesture, noting that the relief materials would significantly help the affected households.
The relief items distributed included 10kg bags of rice, beans, garri, cartons of seasoning cubes, bags of salt, groundnut oil, and tomato paste.
