Ikenna Obianeri
The Anambra State chapter of the Nigerian Red Cross Society has distributed cash and other relief materials to flood victims selected from three local government areas of the state, who were affected by the 2024 flood disaster.
The items distributed included 25-litre gallon, buckets, aqua tablets and ATM cards containing N77,000 each. The cash disbursement was contained in the customised ATM cards distributed to over 1,100 households in the three local government areas of Ogbaru, Anambra West and Ayamelum.
South-East PUNCH gathered that the distribution exercise, which started on Saturday, ended on Monday in communities such as Akiri, Ozuzu, Atani, and Ohita in Ogbaru Local Government Area, with 410 registered households benefitting. In Anambra West Local Government Area, communities such as Umu Oba, Mmiata Anam, Iheora, and Umueze Anam had 436 registered households benefitting.
In Ayamelum Local Government Area, communities such as Igbakwu, Ifite Ogwaru, and Umueze, with 254 registered households, benefitted from the exercise, which was conducted in the presence of the leaders and president-generals of the various communities.
Speaking while distributing the items at one of the centres in Ogbaru Local Government Area headquarters in Atani, the Branch Executive Secretary, Red Cross, Kingsley Okoye, said the cash and relief materials were given to the flood victims to bring financial relief to them and help in mitigating the effect of the devastation and loss.
Okoye noted that due to the flood disaster, families and households who lost their livelihoods were provided with relief materials comprehensively to address both the immediate relief and long-term recovery for the victims.
He said that the exercise is an initiative of the Nigerian Red Cross Society and the European Commission’s Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection, facilitated by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
He commended the commission for its humanitarian efforts, adding that their commitment to life-saving interventions aligns seamlessly with the mission at the Nigerian Red Cross towards ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most, swiftly and effectively.
He said, “As we are painfully aware, the recent floods have devastated communities across Nigeria, displacing thousands and leaving many in urgent need of assistance. Families have lost their homes and livelihoods have been swept away. In these trying times, the call for action is more urgent than ever.
“About 1,100 captured households would receive the ATM cards and other relief materials, including jerry cans and water purifying tablets to help them purify their water, which was contaminated by the flood and also bring financial relief to the flood victims.
“This exercise is non-political and non-partisan. It is an intervention specifically for people and families affected by the 2024 flood disaster. Each of the customised ATM cards being received by each captured household has been credited with N77,000.
“As a partner, the Red Cross Society is uniquely equipped to respond to this crisis. Our reach extends to most remote and underserved communities, ensuring that no one is left behind. As we embark on this journey together, let us remember that every action we take is a step towards healing. We will ensure that our efforts are transparent, accountable and inclusive by allowing the voices of the affected communities to guide our actions.
“We expressed our gratitude to ECHO and the IFRC for their unwavering support and trust in the Nigerian Red Cross Society. Together, we will not only respond to the immediate needs of those affected by the floods but also build a foundation for long-term resilience. This intervention is expected to drive a sustainable socio-economic resilience of the beneficiaries.”
The various leaders and president-generals of the various benefitting communities who monitored the distribution commended the Red Cross for ensuring a seamless and transparent exercise.
The Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Sir Kenneth Akwuobi, represented by the Chairman of the Local Emergency Management Committee, Esimai Nnamdi, thanked the society for bringing succour and relief to the flood victims of the area.
He said, “Everybody can see the excitement on the faces of the victims. Certainly, this is an exercise that has brought relief and succour to them. We commend the Red Cross for ensuring that this distribution was seamlessly carried out and it is unique among others.”
Some of the beneficiaries, including the elderly, who identified themselves as Pa Boniface Osakwe, Pa Ignatius Olisa, and Madam Margaret Okeke, among others, also showed their excitement and expressed gratitude to the Red Cross, saying they were going to use the money to revive their farming business which was damaged by the flood disaster.
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