The Federal Government has distributed relief materials to victims of the Jan. 28
fire outbreak in three communities in Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom.
Speaking at event, Mrs Zubaida Umar, the Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) described the fire incident as ‘very unfortunate’
Umat said that the gesture was Federal Government’s way of providing succour to those affected by the disaster.
It would be recalled that a fire incident which engulfed Akwa Obio Effiat, Esuk Ewang, and Ebughu communities in Mbo, on Jan. 28, razed houses and affected the people’s sources of livelihood
Represented by Mrs Mmandu Aisueni, the Head, Operations, NEMA Akwa Ibom, Umar said that the agency was committed to showing solidarity to people in distress.
“We are here today because it is our mandate and duty to ensure that no Nigerian is left unsupported in times of crisis or emergency.
“The road to recovery is never easy, but through collective efforts, we can help restore hopes.
“Today, we are distributing essential food and non-food items as part of the immediate relief efforts to assist those who were affected by this disaster.
“This intervention is not just about providing material support, it is also about demonstrating solidarity with those who are in distress,” she said.
Umar said that NEMA remained committed to its role in disaster management by responding to emergencies and building capacity for disaster prevention and mitigation.
The NEMA boss said that although the distribution was focused on immediate relief, the agency would work towards assessing the long-term needs of the affected families and communities.
Also speaking, the Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, commended the Federal Government for the intervention, saying that it will cushion the effects of the incident on the people.
Represented by Mrs Grace Jim, the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office, Eyakenyi urged residents of the state to be very cautious and vigilant to avoid fire outbreaks.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Inyang Akpan, thanked the Federal Government for the intervention, describing it as a huge relief.
Akpan urged the Akwa Ibom government to borrow a leaf from the the Federal Government’s gesture by supporting the victims of the fire incident.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Ikwo Asukwo, said that the gesture had brought relief to members of the community, especially with the current economic hardship in the country.
NAN also reports that items distributed to the victims included, rice, beans, tomatoes, garri and salt,
Others were, vegetable oil, blankets, mosquito net, bathing soap and detergent, among others. (NAN)
