BY IFEANYI UWAGWU/JUMAI NWACHUKWU
THE Nigerian Red Cross Society, Delta State Branch, yesterday, flagged off the distribution of resilience kits to 986 households in selected flood-prone communities of Oshimili South Local Government Area, in a bid to strengthen resilience and reduce the vulnerability of residents ahead of the impending 2025 floods.
The event, which was held at the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Engr. (Dr.) Eze Osita I, the Akor of Oko Kingdom, was attended by community leaders, government officials, partners and beneficiaries.
In his address, the Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Delta State Branch, Chief AdolphusAnuagasi, explained that the initiative was designed to enhance disaster risk reduction and improve coping strategies in the face of the annual floods that threaten lives and livelihoods in the state. He disclosed that a total of 986 households had been registered across Oko-Anala, Oko-Obiokpu, Omeligboma and Elenchere communities after an extensive verification exercise to capture the needs of each household.
Chief Anuagasi said that the resilience kits, which were distributed free of charge, contained vital materials such as raincoats, boots, torchlights, solar lamps, oral rehydration salts with zinc, aqua-tabs, sleeping mats, blankets, umbrellas, repellent creams, jerrycans, buckets with lids, and insecticide-treated mosquito nets. According to him, these items would provide households with basic protection, safety, lighting, healthcare support and hygiene during the flood season. He expressed optimism that the kits would make a tangible difference in the lives of beneficiaries.
The Branch Chairman also commended the British Red Cross for its generosity and continued partnership, describing the gesture as a demonstration of commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable households. He further acknowledged the tireless efforts of Red Cross volunteers who, he said, worked diligently in the registration and coordination process.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, who was represented by the Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Terry EjiroEtacherure, commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for creating a platform for humanitarian interventions to thrive. He praised the Red Cross for its transparency, noting that the items reached the intended beneficiaries rather than being diverted. He urged recipients to use the materials for their intended purposes and not to dispose of them for immediate financial gain.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area, Dr Kelvin Ezenyili, who was represented by his Vice-Chairman, Hon. ChinyeHobobo, applauded the Red Cross for remembering the people of the Oko communities and working hand in hand with the government to bring relief to affected households.
Similarly, the Director of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr Alfred Ebremeyin, represented by the Director of Administration and Finance, Mr Daniel Okpor, said government alone could not bear the weight of humanitarian crises. He expressed gratitude to the Red Cross for complementing the state government’s efforts, while also pledging continued collaboration in alleviating the plight of victims of disasters.
Some beneficiaries expressed delight at the gesture. Mrs NgoziAjie said the items would help her stay safe during the flood season, while Mrs AmakaOkoye and Mrs NgoziOduah noted that the materials would ease the challenges they face whenever floodwaters displace them.
The distribution exercise will continue today at Oko-Obiokpu, while that of Omeligboma will be done tomorrow, before climaxing at Elenchere, on Monday.
