The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • Foundation lifts inmates in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi Custodial Centres

    Foundation lifts inmates in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi Custodial Centres

    By Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

    A Non-Governmental Organisation, Zimuzo Development Foundation (ZDF), has donated food items and protective kits to the inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service Anambra State Command.

    The items, which included 50 cartons of Indomie, hand sanitisers, buckets and soaps, were distributed to the Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi Custodial Centres of the state.

    Presenting the items to the inmates, the Director General of the foundation, Rev. Ukadike Ibeabuchi, said the gesture was aimed at cushioning the effects of the hardship ocassioned by the lockdown as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

    He said the choice of the Custodian Centres was informed by the helplessness of the inmates whose conditions would not allow to go fend for themselves, moreso with the sit-at-home directives.

    He said: “Our Chairman, George Moghalu said we should distribute these items to the inmates to ensure there’s enough food in the centers so the inmates don’t die of hunger and starvation until they are done with their jail terms.

    Read Also: COVID-19: Foundation donates $5m medical equipment to Army, Police

    “We also brought some protective kits to make sure the inmates are properly protected from the Coronavirus pandemic.”

    Ibeabuchi said the generosity would be extended to the orphanages and widows in the state to ensure they were not subjected to untold hardship while the lockdown lasted.

    Receiving the items on behalf of the Centre, the Officer incharge of the Centre DCC Akabueze Edwin, represented by the officer incharge Welfare ASC Okafor Henry, expressed appreciation to the group for the gesture, assuring that the items would go a long way to assauging the pains the inmates passed through.

    “We are very happy and grateful for this generosity. Infact, it’s coming at a time they are most needed. We pray that God will bless and reward you immensely,” he added.

  • Uzodinma mourns Nwogu’s passing

    Uzodinma mourns Nwogu’s passing

    Agency Reporter

    Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma has expressed shock over the recent passing of respected Imo elder statesman and politician of repute, Chief Innocent D. Nwoga.

    Chief Nwoga, former Minister of Establishment and Management Services in the Interim National Government led by Ernest Shonekan died last Wednesday at 86.

    Uzodinma regretted that Chief Nwoga, a pioneer chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State as well as former chairman of Imo Elders Forum died when his fatherly counsel was most needed.

    “It is with shock that I have received the sad news of the death of one of Imo State’s respected elder statesman, Chief I.D. Nwoga.

    “With his passing, Imo has lost one of her best and renowned sons. His sterling leadership quality, uprightness and sense of accommodation and humour will be sorely missed by all,” the Governor said.

    Read Also: Buhari mourns Senator Oko

    He described late Nwoga as a devout Christian and great counselor to those who come in contact with him.

    “I, therefore, extend my sincere condolences to the entire Nwoga family, the people of Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State and Nigerians in general for this great loss,” said the Governor.

    Governor Uzodinma prayed God to grant the soul of Chief Nwoga a peaceful repose and the family he has left behind, including the larger family of Imo State, the fortitude to bear the loss.

    The late Nwoga was an old boy of Stella Maris College, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    He once served as the President-General of Ezurueze Mbaise, an elite socio-cultural group of Mbaise prominent sons and daughters charged with the growth and development of Mbaise Nation in particular and Imo State in general.

    Chief Nwoga was appointed the chairman, Imo State Elders Advisory Council by the then Administration of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim.

    He led a life of service to humanity even at old age until he retired from active partisan politics in 2019.

  • Ikpeazu’s aide takes vision to Asia

    The Special Adviser to the Governor of Abia state on Diaspora Matters, Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Ogbonna-Erondu has taken Ikpeazu’s vision across Asia.

    The Special Adviser paid a courtesy visit to the consul General, Honorable Anderson Madubike at the Nigerian Consulate in Shanghai during a recent trip to China.

    They discussed various ways to align Abia State economic interests particularly the Enyimba Economic city with potential investment opportunities in the People’s Republic of China.

    The next stop was South Korea where she met with the Nigerian Ambassador to South Korea, His Excellency Amin Dalhatu.

    The ambassador expressed interest in helping Abia state engage investors who can help the state in maximizing the full potential of Aba as the economic hub of the South Eastern region.

    Finally, she arrived in Vietnam where she met with the Nigerian Ambassador, His Excellency Francis Efeduma and the head of Chancery, Honorable (Mrs) Juliet Ijeoma.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Abia Assembly passes 2020 budget

    She discussed the potential areas of opportunity in the state with the Ambassador and urged him to always have the state in mind as regards investments.

    They agreed that the best areas of collaboration with the government of Vietnam is in Agriculture (particularly rice) and textile sector in alignment with interests expressed by the state Governor and his commissioner for Agriculture.

    The Ambassador assured the Special Adviser that the Vietnamese Government will be willing and able to partner with the state once proposals are sent to them .

  • I joined politics to serve, transform lives for good— Nnamdi Chife

    I joined politics to serve, transform lives for good— Nnamdi Chife

    Seasoned financial and defence security consultant, Nnamdi Chife, said he sought political office to make positive impact in people, especially the under privileged.

    According to him, his motivation to serve the people through elective office didn’t start now as he has always been involved in active politics over the years despite his banking and security background.

    Transitioning seamlessly from the banking sector and fraud prevention industry to the political realm, Chife’s journey is marked by over 17 years of expertise.

    In the 2019 general elections, Chife emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Assembly candidate for Anambra West Constituency. 

    This marked the initiation of his political career, driven by a profound commitment to public service. 

    Subsequently, he assumed the role of PDP State Super Delegate to the Governorship Election Primary in 2021, further solidifying his influence within the party.

    Chife’s whose background in Political Science, coupled with his strategic negotiation skills and analytical prowess, positions him as a leader with a comprehensive understanding of governance and public affairs. 

    His multifaceted journey reflects a dedication to making a positive impact in the political arena.

    Read Also: Onaiyekan: politics should be for service not investment, war

    According to him, he wants to  leverage his diverse skill set to advocate for legislative changes and contribute to strategic decision-making within the party. 

    Actively participating in the democratic process, he  said “I remain steadfast in my commitment to making a meaningful difference.”

    As Chife anticipates more opportunities, his enduring commitment to public service and community development takes center stage.

  • Relief in Ebonyi as Umahi reconstructs, maintains federal roads

    THE two major federal roads in Ebonyi State are in good motorable condition, thanks to the State Governor, David Umahi.

    At inception of his administration, the middle section of the Abakaliki-Afikpo highway was in a deplorable condition.

    This was because contract for its construction was never awarded by the Jonathan administration. As a result, travellers suffered untold hardship on that road. A journey of 45 minutes sometimes took more than five hours.

    But The Nation learnt that Governor Umahi deployed the state resources to carry out a total reconstruction of the road.

    In addition, the two other sections of the road from Abakaliki to Onueke and from Abomege to Afikpo have been constantly maintained by the state government.

    This has prevented the road from failing as the governor has constantly alleged that the contractors of these two sections did shoddy jobs.

    Also, the Enugu -Abakaliki road is still in top condition. It was re-constructed by the Jonathan administration.

    However, Ebonyi State Government under Mr. Umahi, has completed the dualisation from Spera-in-deo junction to EBSU permanent site gate.

    The governor has also commenced the dualisation of the two roads with about five flyovers on them.

    Already, the Author Eze flyover at Abaomege intersection of the Abakaliki-Afikpo road is about 90 percent completed.

    Work have already commenced on another flyover at Ezzamgbo junction of the Enugu-Abakaliki highway.

    Three flyovers have already been completed on the road. They include the Akanu Ibiam flyover, the Offiah Nwali fyover at Presco junction and the Margaret Umahi international market flyover.

    Also the Ebonyi section of the Nkalagu to Enugu road, another federal road has been completed by the state government on concrete stone base with many bridges.

    Our investigation suggests that Ebonyi State has arguably the best road network in the country today, thanks to Governor David Umahi who on assumption of office declared “I will not allow the people to suffer because some roads are federal roads. We will work on every road because it is Ebonyi people that will use the road,” he said.

     

    Federal roads in Abia are death traps, residents cry out

    INVESTIGATION carried out by The Nation shows that the economy of Abia State over the years has taken a nosedive. This, respondents said, is mainly because of the deplorable conditions of federal roads connecting Abia State with other neighbouring states of Southeast and South-south.

    While checks reveal that work is ongoing on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, drivers and commuters using these roads express worry over the manner and slow pace at which the contractors handling the road projects are executing the road contracts.

    The horrible nature of the federal roads linking commuters into Umuahia, the Abia State capital, from Ikot Ekpene, is best described as a death trap.

    The experience of both commercial and private drivers on Ikot Ekpene-Aba Expressway and the Azumini-Aba federal Highways are better experienced than told.

    The federal roads (Port Harcourt road, Aba-Owerri road, and Aba-Ikot Ekpene Expressway) which serve as both exit and entrance routes in and out of Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State and indeed, the southeast, has got its share of the sad tale of road users on federal roads in the state.

    A journey from Aba to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, which originally takes about 30-40mins, now takes about three to four hours, depending on the driver and the weather condition.

    A journey from Aba to Umuahia, the state capital, which originally took between 30-40 minutes, now takes between 1hr to 1hr 30mins.

    A journey from Umuahia to ????, which originally takes two hours, 30minutes, now takes three hours, 30 minutes. From Umuahia to Ikot Ekpene and Aba to Ikot Ekpene, which should take about 30 minutes, now takes between two hours and three hours. In fact, the road is currently inaccessible as drivers now use an alternative route through Obingwa.

    From Umuahia and Aba to Owerri, Imo State capital, which was between 30-40mins, now takes between two hours and three hours.

    A motorist, who gave his name simply as Emmanuel, said driving from Aba to Uyo is hellish. According to him, the amount of money that drivers spend repairing their cars can get them another car if the roads were in good condition.

    Some other commercial drivers who spoke with our correspondent in Abia State said they are planning to give up driving to look for other businesses as their current occupation can no longer keep food on the tables of his families.

    A commuter, Effiong Simon, said “I am from Akwa Ibom, but I live in Calabar. From Opobo junction to Ikot Ekpene with a bike is now N1000 for one person. Using a bike to Ikot Ekpene is even risky. People are either robbed of their valuables or kidnapped as some of the motorcycle operators are agents of kidnappers.

    “From Opobo junction to Azumini is not safe as well. The day I tried coming through Azumini to Aba in my car, it was a day that I will not easily forget. A driver was robbed by hoodlums who camped on a bad portion of the road. I was lucky to have escaped being robbed.”

    While the price of transport fare from Aba to Port Harcourt is relatively cheap, drivers say unlike in the past when they can go for two or three trips in a day, it takes the grace of God to successfully complete a trip with the condition of the Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway.

    Some respondents who spoke to our reporter in various markets lamented a sharp drop in sales as most of their customers are now avoiding coming to the market because of the terrible road network connecting visitors to the commercial city.

    They are begging on the federal government to urge the contractors handling Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway to expedite action on the road project.

    According to some of the traders, including Mrs. Ifeoma Ogbu, the best gift that the Buhari-led APC government would bequeath to Abians is fixing federal government roads in Abia State.

    “Let President Buhari try and fix federal roads in Aba and Abia State. That is all that we are asking him to do for us. We only need roads and good ones for that matter. If the roads are fixed, we can fend for ourselves. We will be grateful to him and will engrave his name in our hearts as the president who came to our rescue. Others failed us, President Buhari should not fail us,” Mrs. Ogbu pleaded.

    Abia State by its geographical position is bordered by the other four states in the southeast (Imo, Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi) and three states in the South-south states (Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers State).

    Also, the presence of famous Ariaria, Cemetery and other markets in Aba in particular, accounts for the high vehicular influx on Abia roads.

    Also most containers of imported goods leaving various ports across the country head to Abia as most importers and exporters of various commodities in and outside the country live in Aba.

    This puts Abia as a major contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). So, while commending President Muhammadu Buhari-led government over some of the projects it has so far situated in Aba, especially the Ariaria International Market Rural Electrification Project and other supports that the SME sector has enjoyed, respondents said there is a lot that is needed to be done as it concerns roads in order to tap into the rich potentials of the state.

     

  • Fix Aba roads, group appeals to Ikpeazu

    By Agency Reporter

    A group, Umu-Aba Connect, has called on Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to rehabilitate urban and rural roads in Aba as well as other dilapidated infrastructure within the city centre.

    The group, which consists of Aba indigenes from far and near, expressed concerns that continuous neglect of infrastructure by successive governments has brought untold hardship on citizens and businesses operating in the city, forcing many to abandon the foremost industrial capital for other cities in the country.

    In a statement by its publicity secretary, Ugochukwu Okpara, the group that Aba is gradually declining noting that “with huge amounts of waste dumped inside drainages and on walk-ways across the previously prosperous city, we are concerned that the situation may get worsened,” they said.

    The group said its members have received several calls from Aba residents, who have overwhelmed “our association with complaints and these complaints are tended to bring to attention these burning issues which the government seemingly have neglected. It is therefore in our position to embark on independent investigation, to verify and to make our findings open and public”.

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    The statement explained the group overwhelmingly supported the incumbent governor in the last election because of assurances that dilapidating roads and decaying infrastructure would be revived and Aba restored to its former glorious position, especially since the incumbent Governor is from Aba.

    “We are calling on his excellency the governor to immediately look into these issues concerning bad roads and incessant dumping of refuse all over the state. We are also using this medium to remind his Excellency that our massive support for him during his reelection was because we believed he will change things for better,” the group appealed.

    It listed roads that need immediate rehabilitation as: Eziuku Road, Osusu Road, Omuma Road, Cemetery Road, Ngwa Road, Teaching Hospital Road, Okigwe Road, Immaculate Road St. Eugene Street and Akalama Street.

  • Enugu hospital gets latest MRI machine

    Amidst deteriorating health conditions of Nigerians, the Federal Government has been called upon to make the national health insurance scheme accessible to all Nigerians without hindrances.

    Inaugurating a world-class Signa Explorer 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) diagnostic machine, the Chief Medical Director of Memfys Hospital, Enugu, Prof. Sam Ohaegbulam, said his plea had become necessary as the poverty situation in the country had made it difficult for most Nigerians to pay for their medical treatment.

    Ohaegbulam stated that the hospital which also marked its 17th anniversary, invested on the 16 channels model, the highest grade in the country which global experts had confirmed would be capable of performing the advanced protocols they needed for accurate diagnosis.

    According to the renowned neurosurgeon, “this 1.5T MRI will now help us to introduce sequences and protocols that were hitherto impossible, resulting in improved image quality, faster scanning and yet more patient comfort, it will tremendously expand the scope of service with even the capability for whole body screening for cancer without exposing the patient to radiation”.

    While re-affirming the commitment of the management to the growth of tertiary education in the country, the medical director noted that the new machine would also facilitate the training, research and advanced medical care, adding that without any external financial support, Memfys hospital had contributed wholly or partially to the training of 25 of the 80 neurosurgeons in Nigeria, a feat only exceeded by the University College Hospital, (UCH), Ibadan.

    Ohaegbulam expressed joy with the progress recorded by the hospital so far, stressing that as the only private institution in West Africa that has full accreditation for Neurosurgical training by both the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, NPMCN and the West Africa College of Surgeons (WACS), “the sky would only be our starting point”. The medical surgeon also praised the GE Healthcare led by Mr. Kelechi Ekeledo for persevering and delivering the machine on time despite several challenges.

    He further disclosed that as part of its social responsibility and to give back to society, the hospital under its SHEPPAD project, holds free medical consultations every last Thursday of the month, adding that participants of the medical outreach benefit from discounted head CT scans if required.

    Apart from offering neurosurgery residency training for medical doctors from different parts of the country, Memfys hospital provides services in Neurosurgery, Neurology, Paediatrics and Radiology.

    The chairman of the occasion, Prof. Shekarau Abubakar Aku, said the acquisition of the Signa Explorer MRI model by Memfys Hospital, Enugu, was a big boost to healthcare in the country and commended the founder, Prof. Sam Ohaegbulam, for the great feat despite the bad economic climate.

    Aku who is the chairman, governing board, Nigeria National Merit Award, Abuja, described the 17th anniversary of Memfys hospital as a celebration of excellence.

    Also speaking, the chairman, Nigeria Medical Association, Enugu State, Dr. Ike Okwesili, explained that the new 1.5T MRI machine would facilitate healthcare delivery in the country, stressing that with the facilities available, Memfys Hospital had now emerged as the leading centre for radiology and medical imaging in Nigeria.

    The historic event was attended by the cream of the medical profession and the clergy, prominent among them were the CMD National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu, Dr. Cajethan Nwadinigwe; CMD Mother of Christ Specialist hospital Enugu, Rev. Sister Dr. Ezechukwu Pascalina; Dr. Mike Ezenyirioha of Julius Memorial Hospital Enugu; Prof. Moses Mgbo of Hansa clinic; and CMD Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital Parklane, Prof H. Onah, among others.

  • World Bank to tackle flooding in Aba

    Aba, the economic heart of Abia State, has a history of flooding which has caused the collapse of so many buildings in flood prone areas.

    Some residents whose buildings are in those flood-prone areas told our reporter that if there is any prayer they want God to answer, it is that rain cease falling in Aba.

    An environmental expert, Mr. Wilson Okwu blamed indiscriminate dumping of refuse for the blocked drainages which leads to flooding.

    Okwu also questioned the way government agents approved construction of houses by landlords.

    He said that until the people, local and state government, fashioned out a better way of managing both domestic and industrial waste, flooding will remain a major problem for every government in the state.

    Respite seems to be on the way for Aba residents. The World Bank has indicated interest in bringing the flood menace in Aba to an end.

    The Abia State Coordinator of Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), Mr. Izuchukwu Onwughara, an engineer, said the World Bank has mapped out some of the flood-prone areas in the commercial city to tackle the menace.

    He listed the flood areas as Obohia Road, Uratta, Ngwa Road and parts of Port Harcourt Road for the the first phase, with Omuma Road and Ohanku Road in the second phase.

    Onwughara said much of the project will be funded by World Bank while the state government will provide counterpart fund.

    The coordinator said the project has a lifespan of 30 months, and is expected to sstart October.

    He said, “We are at very last leg of the preparation of the project. In 2018, a lot of consultants came in to do some socioeconomic studies, we environmental and social management, we did the resettlement action plan for a project of such magnitude.

    “The entire soil investigation has been done. We prepared a design that is world-class standard deploying best practices globally. The designs have gone through layers of approval from here to Washington and came out cleared.

    “The job is too big so we’ve split it into two units. We’ll start with Uratta and Umuagbai. This will cover sections of Port Harcourt road, Obohia road and take it down to Ngwa road.

    “The advert has been done to pick contractors that will do this project, the valuations of the bids have been concluded and the reports have been forwarded to the World Bank.

    “This month September we are awaiting their a no objection that the report is okay. By October we shall be able to award that contract because we expect that the World Bank.

    “We are using this period to sensitise our people to prepare and get ready for the project. Everyone along the corridors of this project have been consulted and we call on everyone to cooperate with us on this.”

    Speaking on the bidding process and possibility of political interference in the project, Onwughara said the project is too serious and too big for politicians to hijack.

  • Erosion: We’re afraid of sending our kids to school

    Achina, Onneh, Agbudu, Umuomaku, Ogboji and Enugwu-Umuonyia are communities under Amaiyi of Old Aguata Region of Anambra State, with serious gully erosion threats. Like many other communities in the state, the erosion menace in the area gradually assumed a frightening dimension rendering most roads in the area impassable. The affected communities, regrettably are mainly agrarian, producing majorly cassava, yam, rice and other food items.

    Predominantly peasant farmers, the locals lamented the difficulty they face exporting proceeds from the farms following the deplorable condition of the road. Some of the markets in the area are now ghost zones as gully erosion has sacked traders from their shops.

    Schools and churches are not left out of the scourge as roads leading to the schools have become death traps with pupils finding it difficult attending schools. Church attendance has also drastically dropped. Locals construct makeshift bridges to navigate the roads, including the ones leading to Ekwuluobia through Peter University, Achina and other adjoining communities, which have been torn by deep gully at different portions.

    The drainage constructed by past governments has been washed off, rendering some buildings along the road under serious threat, even as sand bags were used to protect the remaining portions of the road. Apparently fed up with the menace, members of the six communities, led by their youth leadership, took to the streets with placards to register their unpleasant experiences and displeasure with the government. They made a passionate appeal to the state government to come to their rescue, with particular reference to completing the construction of Achina-Onneh-Ogboji Road.

    According to them, the 7.3 km Achina-Onneh-Ogboji Road was awarded in 2014 by the present government. Those who spoke with The Nation, blamed the ugly development to the abandonment and uncompletion of road projects in the area. One of the residents, Mrs Christiana Okparanyim expressed disappointment over government’s neglect to the area despite the massive votes it got from the community.

    She said parents were always apprehensive that something unpleasant would happen to their children anytime it rained. She said, “Once it rains, we’re afraid allowing our children to go to school. Even those of us courageous enough to release theirs will be anxious until they return.

    ”You see some parents wait patiently at the erosion spots to ensure they cross their children over the gully with the assistance of the makeshift bridges.”

    According to the woman, residents have lost their property to the ravaging flood on several occasions, adding that it nearly swept away a little boy if not for intervention of passerby.”Once it’s election time, politians will start flooding this place, with bogus promises, asking for our votes. Once the elections are over, you won’t see them again.”

    A trader at Nkwo Ogbeh market Nkwelle Otu, Mrs Helen Ezechukwu, regretted that sales have drastically dropped, as people from neighboring communities no longer patronize them. Traders from Oye market used to come to Nkwo market to trade with us and we returned the gesture on Oye day. But since this road became bad,  the market has turned to ghost area as they have stopped coming,” she added.

    Another resident, Mrs. Chinelo Igwe, whose residence was along the eroding road, lamented the difficulty her children experienced in driving in and out of their residence ocassioned by the road’s deplorable condition.

  • NEMA: Anambra communities reluctant to heed flood warnings

    National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has expressed worry over adamant disposition of victims of flood disaster in Anambra State to relocate to safe and higher ground to avert impending disaster.

    The agency attributed most erosion flood cases in Nigeria to refusal of people living in riverine communities to heed warnings from relevant agencies in disaster management.

    Speaking after assessing the level of flood at Odekpe and Atani communities in Ogbaru council area, Acting Director General of the Agency, Air Commodore Akugbe Iyamu wondered why flood victims would insist on safeguarding their homes rather than fleeing for their lives.

    He maintained that it was only the living that could claim possession of abode.

    He said, “How will someone say it’s my ancestral home and wants to die there? This is not a time to defend whether the area is your ancestral home or not. To be able to push the narrative, you need to come out first and get saved before defending whether it’s your ancestral home or not.”

    According to Iyamu, the visit to the area was at the instance of the state government following predictions by Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

    “The agency has been following and closely monitoring the NIHSA predictions and having seen the level of the flood disaster, will take immediate actions,” he added.

    The acting DG described flood as a highly unpredictable natural phenomenon which is not peculiar to Nigeria, assuring victims of quick deployment of food and non-food items.

    “The US, since 1926, through its army engineers, have been managing flood and I don’t think it has gotten solution. The Mississippi is still a challenge to them.

    “The federal government is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that those affected by flood are given adequate attention,” Iyamu posited.

    Also speaking, Chairman of the Red Cross Society in the state, Prof. Peter Katchy, lauded the collaboration of the body with NEMA and other relevant agencies in times of emergency.

    Katchy, who presented an award of Commander of Humanity to the NEMA boss, commended the agency for supporting the body during emergencies.

    He pledged the organisation preparedness to work hard to combat situations that could lead to loss of lives, expressing hope of soon reception of relief materials.

    Earlier, Transition Committee Chairman for Ogbaru Council Area, Mr. Arinze Awogu, went down memory lane on challenges they faced annually during rainy seasons.

    He described the area as the worst hit by the disaster, regretting that twelve lives were lost last year to the flood.

    He said, “Last year, we recorded 12 deaths with over 11,280 IDPs in the flood that lasted more than two months.

    “We are always excited when we see government presence because we are sure of succour.”

    Awogu disclosed that the three holding centers created in the 16 communities in the area were all ravaged by the flood, appealing for additional centers.

    He commended Governor Willie Obiano for his prompt response to emergencies but requested for more holding centers in the area to accommodate the number of people affected.

    He also stressed the need to prepare the centres for human habitation, just as he appealed for medics as several children were suffering from various health challenges.