BY IFEANYI UWAGWU
THE Delta State Government, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has distributed relief materials to victims of the April 15, 2025 rainstorm that ravaged Ughoton, Ugbokodo and Jeddo communities in Okpe Local Government Area.
Presenting the items on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Ejiro Etacherure, at the State Warehouse in Asaba, said the gesture was in line with the state government’s commitment to promptly responding to the needs of Deltans in times of disaster. He noted that the governor had also approved funds to cushion the impact on the affected households further. The relief package comprised food items such as bags of rice, garri, groundnut oil, salt, spaghetti, macaroni and seasoning cubes. Etacherure urged the committee members to ensure that the items reached the most vulnerable, particularly families who could not fend for themselves.
He further stressed that measures had been put in place to ensure transparency in the distribution, assuring that the items were strictly meant for those in dire need.
Speaking during the presentation, Bishop Paulson Odu, who coordinated the distribution for the affected communities, expressed gr atitude to the state government, NEMA and other stakeholders for their intervention. He also commended Chief James Aguoye for footing the logistics bill to transport the items to the various communities.
“We feel happy, and we feel the government is responsive. We are grateful to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, our state Assembly members and all those who stood with us in this difficult time,” Odu said.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of Ughoton Community recalled the devastation caused by the storm, describing it as unprecedented in over five decades. He said many residents were still struggling to rebuild their homes, but noted that the relief items had rekindled their hope.
“By the grace of God, we give kudos to the governor because it’s not really easy. If the people see these items today, they will be glad. They will truly have joy that they have a governor who cares,” he stated, while appealing for more assistance to enable families to recover fully.
The rainstorm left over 400 families displaced and destroyed homes and properties worth millions of naira, plunging residents into hardship.
