Politics
Pan Igbo Socio-Cultural group, Ohaneze Ndigbo on Monday urged governments at federal and state levels and other stakeholders, to prioritize the welfare of displaced persons across the country.
Chief Charles Odunukwe, Vice President-General of the group made the call during a visit to flood victims at two Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps, at Igbogene area of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital.
Odunukwe who represented Chief Nnia Nwodo, President General of Ohaneze said that the upkeep of people displaced by natural disasters and other challenges was a collective one and a duty the society owed God.
He advised the flood victims to be hopeful and optimistic of an early return to their homes, as reports indicated that the water level was ebbing.
“It is the duty of the federal and state governments to support displaced people across the length and breadth of Nigeria, but all stakeholders have their roles to play.
“We have to rally round our brothers and sisters displaced by natural disasters like flood.
“We have people who are displaced by crisis and other challenges and it is not an easy thing, they have many needs ranging from medications, clothing, food and so many things, so it is a duty for us all.
“Let me also commend and appreciate the efforts of the federal and state governments in addressing the plight of flood victims, I understand that the vice-president visited the flood victims and inspected flooded areas here last week.
“It shows that the government is concerned and we, in Ohanaeze, came to show empathy with the flood victims as well as call on corporate bodies and high profile individuals to identify with these people, ”Odunukwe said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Odunukwe leading a delegation of Ohaneze national executives donated a light truck load of food items, condiments, noodles, water and cash to the two camps visited.
At the St John’s Catholic Church, Igbogene camp, Rev Father Benedict Nwobu, Assistant Parish Priest who received the items, commended Ohaneze for identifying with over 528 people in the church premises receiving temporary shelter.
Mr Aziong Ayii, a Director with the Bayelsa State Emergency Management Agency received the items and said that the gesture was a welcome development.
He said that some 5,780 people displaced by the ongoing floods were taking shelter at the Igbogene IDP camp in Yenagoa Local Government Area in Bayelsa.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said that no fewer than 150,000 people have been displaced across the eight local government areas, where IDP camps have been set up. (NAN)
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