By Our Reporter
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has donated relief materials worth millions of Naira to the people of Ogwuanocha and Ogwuikpele communities in Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra State. The donation was facilitated by Hon. Afam Ogene, Member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy.
The materials were distributed on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Odekpe, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra state.
Earlier, Hon. Ogene had moved a motion during the House plenary, highlighting the plight of the people in the two communities. He narrated how the people of Ogwuanocha have been living as refugees in neighboring communities since 2021 due to internal skirmishes, while those in Ogwuikpele have been facing unbearable hardships due to recurring flood disasters and lack of government presence.
The relief materials donated by NEMA aim to alleviate the suffering of the affected communities and provide them with necessary support. Hon. Ogene’s efforts in facilitating the donation demonstrate his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by his constituents.
At the flag-off ceremony for the distribution of the relief materials in Iyiowa-Odekpe, Ogbaru Local Government Area, NEMA’s South East Zonal Coordinator, Mrs. Ngozi Echeazu, praised Hon. Afam Ogene for his passion and responsiveness to his constituents’ welfare.
“We appreciate your presence and acknowledge Hon. Ogene’s role in facilitating federal government intervention through NEMA. He approached the Presidency, highlighting the communities’ plight, and we’re here today to provide aid,” Echeazu said.
The relief materials, donated by NEMA, aim to support the people of Ogwuanocha and Ogwuikpele communities. Echeazu noted that additional assistance would be provided to other communities in the state soon.
“We’re committed to addressing crises and willing to collaborate with Hon. Ogene in the future,” she added.
Echeazu urged the beneficiaries to conduct themselves peacefully and orderly during the distribution. She also encouraged them to support Hon. Ogene for continued effective representation and democratic dividends.
The event was attended by officials from SEMA and the Local Government Emergency Committee, ensuring a collaborative approach to emergency management.”
Hon. Ogene at the event donated the sum of One Million Naira to the leadership of Ogwuanocha and tasked them to deploy the money into putting in place peace processes to enable the people return to their homes.
The items distributed to the IDPs include hundreds of bedding materials (foam and mats); hundreds of food items including bags of rice, garri, gallons of groundnut oil, Maggi, noodles; baby wears, wrappers, towels, rubber buckets, children clothes, mosquito nets, among others.
In November 2021, Ogwuaniocha community was attacked by gunmen who invaded the palace of the 71-year-old traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Oliver Nnaji, abducting him and burning down his palace. The community has since been plagued by crisis, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of properties, and displacement of residents who now seek refuge in neighboring communities.
Alarmingly, the state government has allegedly abandoned Ogbaru LGA, including Ogwuaniocha, without providing basic infrastructure.