The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has distributed relief materials to residents of Ogu-Bolo community in Rivers State following the recent flood that affected the area.
The intervention, according to the commission, is part of its ongoing efforts to alleviate the suffering of communities in the Niger Delta region impacted by natural disasters and economic hardship.
Presenting the relief materials on behalf of the Managing Director of the NDDC, the Director II of Education, Health and Social Services, Engr. Jeremiah Onolejoloni, said the gesture demonstrated the commission’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities in the region.
He explained that the assistance was in response to the flood disaster which destroyed homes, farmlands and disrupted the livelihoods of many residents of the community.
Onolejoloni noted that the commission partnered with the Derek and Davia Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, to deliver the relief items to the affected people.
According to him, the NDDC provided financial support to the foundation to procure essential food items and household materials for residents of the Ogu-Bolo Kingdom.
He said the intervention also reflected the commission’s determination to provide support to communities whenever the need arises.
“This event is not just about the distribution of palliatives, it is also a way to reaffirm government presence, compassion and solidarity with families experiencing economic hardship,” he said.
He urged community leaders to ensure equitable distribution of the items and encouraged residents to maintain peace and support government development initiatives.
The Paramount Ruler of Ogu-Bolo Kingdom, Chief Joachim Amachiri, commended the NDDC for the intervention, describing it as timely.
He said the relief materials would help cushion the effects of the devastating flood on members of the community.
Amachiri also pledged the community’s continued support for the programmes and initiatives of the commission.
Also speaking, the programme consultant, represented by Dr George Smile, praised the NDDC for reaching out to communities affected by natural disasters.
He added that development partners, in collaboration with the commission, were making plans to extend similar support to neighbouring communities affected by the flooding.