The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Victims

  • Philanthropist donates to Anambra flood victims

    A popular philanthropist, Chief Willie Obiano, has donated relief materials to flood victims in Anambra State.

    He called on public-spirited organisations and individuals to come to the rescue of the victims.

    Obiano described the flood that ravaged several communities in Anambra as unprecedented while praising the state government for alleviating the suffering of the victims.

    He spoke last week while donating relief materials to victims in Aguleri, Umuleri and Anam rehabilitation camps.

    Some of the items include food items, sleeping materials and beverages.

    He also offered one of his family houses to accommodate 16 homeless families.

     

  • Rep seeks Fed Govt help for flood victims

    A House of Representatives’ member, Chricato Ameke, has urged the Federal Government to assist his constituency in Anambra State to forestall the outbreak of epidemic following the floods that recently ravaged the community.

    Ameke, representing Anambra East/West, addressed reporters yesterday in Abuja.

    He showed video footages of several communities that had been submerged in the floods.

    According to him, over 1,000 people were rendered homeless and property worth over N1billion were destroyed.

    The lawmaker said torrential rains, which began on September 1, as well as the water purportedly released from a dam in the Republic of Cameroon, caused the floods in Anambra East and West.

    He said the victims might face starvation following the destruction of food crops in his constituency.

    Ameke urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to bring materials to the victims.

    He said the Federal Government had not sent materials to his people, adding that a part of the Ecological Fund should be released to address the disaster.

    The lawmaker said he had spent about N2.2million on materials for the victims.

    He hailed Governor Peter Obi for his prompt visit and for the materials sent to the victims.

  • Edo distributes relief materials to flood victims

    Edo distributes relief materials to flood victims

    The Edo State Government yesterday began the distribution of relief materials to flood victims.

    Over 30 communities in three local government areas of the state have been submerged.

    The materials include mattresses, blankets, clothing, food, toiletries, beverages and drugs.

    Doctors and nurses were also on ground to attend to the victims’ medical needs.

    The distribution was handled by the Edo Relief Committee and the State Emergency Relief Agency.

    Committee Chairman Hajia Maimuna Momodu assured the materials would be evenly distributed.

    She urged the Federal Government to assist the state in alleviating the suffering of the victims.

    Governor Adams Oshiomhole had earlier ordered the release of N100 million for the provision of relief materials to the victims.

    When the governor visited the submerged communities, many of them were no longer accessible.

    He had to inspect some in a helicopter and others in a canoe. Oshiomhole said: “What has happened is an act of God and no one can challenge the will of God. In other parts of the country, we have heard of the loss of lives, but, so far, we have not recorded any death. Let us pray that the river goes back to its boundary.

    “President Goodluck Jonathan is concerned about this calamity. The government will try as much as possible to reduce the hardship suffered by the people by providing relief materials. What we cannot change we will bear.

    “We will send relief materials, which must be shared to everybody, irrespective of party affiliation.

    “Doctors would be sent to treat the sick. We will also send buses to take those trapped in the flooded communities to the rehabilitation centres.”

     

     

    “The entire area is in a terrible shape. We could not even land the helicopter because everywhere was flooded. I was surprised, because I passed through these communities a few months back and everything was okay. This is a serious natural disaster and it is not limited to riverside communities. Even communities that are more than three-four kilometres away from the river have been taken over by water.

    “Farmlands have been destroyed and property lost. I saw dead goats and sheep floating on the water. I had to paddle the canoe to move round the affected areas. A whole church is right inside water; it is unbelievable.

    “Nature is angry. We can only pray that God takes control and the water recedes. Of course there are immediate and long terms social and economic consequences, but in the long run, I believe the state and Federal government would find long and short term solutions, should this kind of thing happens again.

    “Presently, I do not see any scientific thing we can do to get rid of the water. We have serious humanitarian challenges and I think the immediate one is to provide food and shelter.”

    Richard Okowele (41), who has lived all his life in Illushi, said he has lost a part of his house and what is left of it is on the verge of collapse.

    For Isaac Isimoni, his two wives and 11 children, they are hoping that help gets to them before the Ilushi Secondary School, where they are squatting, is completely taken over by flood.

    At Udochi, Mallam Musa Aliu said: “We woke up one morning and saw that water had taken over our community. Several houses have been submerged and we have lost our property. We were forced to abandon all we had. I have no clothes anymore. I have been wearing this cloth for the past two weeks. Many people were injured, but we thank God that no one died. The council chairman brought food for us and that is how we have been feeding.”

    President of the Udochi Development Asociation Zakari Jubril, an engineer, said: “We were scared of an epidemic, but the evacuation of victims to relief centres has alleviated our fears. We pray the water level subsides, so that the people can go about their normal life again. People had to climb trees for survival; it was a pitiable sight.”

     

  • Relief coming for floods victims, says Jonathan

    Relief coming for floods victims, says Jonathan

    TRYING floods victims may soon get some help from the Federal Government.

    President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that the Federal Government would collaborate with the affected states and local governments in reaching out to the victims. Many have lost their homes and businesses since the ravaging floods became serious last month.

    Besides, Dr. Jonathan assured Nigerians of better days ahead, saying that there has been inflow of foreign investments, which is an indication of economic growth.

    The President spoke in a national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 52nd Independence anniversary.

    “In the last few weeks, for example, many of our communities have been ravaged by floods, resulting in the loss of lives and property and the displacement of persons.

    “I want to reassure all affected Nigerians that I share in their grief, and our administration is taking steps to address these incidents, in collaboration with the states and local governments.

    “We have received the interim report of the presidential team that was set up to assess the flooding situation across the country.

    “The Federal Government has taken measures to assist the affected states, while considering long-term measures to check future reoccurrence.’’

    The President noted that the various challenges confronting the nation would not deter the efforts of his administration on several fronts at transforming the nation.

    He said the proactive measures put in place to check the spate of insecurity in the nation were yielding results.

    Specifically, he said the government’s consultation and collaboration with neighbours and friendly nations internal and cross-border security had helped to check security challenges.

    He said: “Our security agencies are constantly being strengthened and repositioned for greater efficiency. Many Nigerians have acknowledged that there has been a significant decline in the spate of security breaches.

    “While expressing our condolences to affected families; let me reiterate the commitment of this administration to ensure the safety of lives and property of all Nigerians.’’

    Jonathan said the government was succeeding in the fight against corruption in all facets of the economy.

    “We have put an end to several decades of endemic corruption associated with fertiliser and tractor procurement and distribution.

    “We have exposed decades of scam in the management of pensions and fuel subsidy, and ensured that the culprits are being brought to book.

    “In its latest report, Transparency International noted that Nigeria is the second most improved country in the effort to curb corruption.

    “We will sustain the effort in this direction with an even stronger determination to strengthen the institutions that are statutorily entrusted with the task of ending this scourge.’’

    He reassured of his commitment to non-interference in the work of the relevant anti-corruption agencies.

    The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to the pursuit of fundamental objectives of an open society.

    He said he would remain steadfast in the pursuit of freedom, security and prosperity for the Nigerian people, and for the rule of law.

    Dr. Jonathan said Nigeria will continue to be a source of pride to its citizens, to Africa, and to the human race.

    “On this special day, I call on every Nigerian to remain steadfast, because our nation is indeed making progress. I call on every Nigerian to rediscover that special spirit that enables us to triumph over every adversity as a people.

    “I bring to you today, a message of renewed hope and faith in the immense possibilities that lie ahead.

    “Fellow citizens, I have an unshaken belief in the future of our great country.

    “I consider it a priority and sacred duty to continue to strengthen the bond of unity that holds our nation together and to promote and nourish the creative energies of our people.

    “This is a central objective of our administration’s transformation agenda. Nigeria, I assure you, will continue to grow from strength to strength.’’

    President Jonathan urged Nigerians to remain steadfast as the nation was making progress in addressing socio-economic challenges facing the country.

    “Our vision is encapsulated in the transformation agenda. We are working hard and making progress on many fronts.

    He saluted the efforts of the nation’s founding fathers who, he said, brought joy and hope to the hearts of Nigerians when they won independence from Britain on Oct.1, 1960.

    “Nigeria made a clean break with more than six decades of colonial rule, and emerged as a truly independent nation.”

    The President said Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), driven mainly by non-oil sector, has grown by 7.1 per cent, while the economy attracted N6.8 trillion investments in nine months.

    “Over the past five years, the global economy has been going through a weak and uncertain recovery. During the same period and particularly in the last two years, the Nigerian economy has done appreciably well, in spite of the global financial crisis.

    “Nigeria’s real GDP has grown by 7.1 per cent on average.

    “It is also significant to state that the GDP growth has been driven largely by the non-oil sector,’’ he said.

    According to him, the nation has improved on its investment environment as more corporate bodies are investing in the Nigerian economy.

    “Our Investment Climate Reform Programme has helped to attract over N6.8 trillion local and foreign direct investment commitments.’’

    He said that Nigeria had become the preferred destination for investment in Africa.

    “It is ranked first in the top five host economies for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Africa, accounting for over 20 per cent of total FDI flows into the continent.’’

    The president said his administration had streamlined bureaucratic activities at the ports to ensure greater efficiency in the handling of ports and port-related businesses.

    “Specifically, we have drastically reduced the goods clearing period in our ports from about six weeks to about one week and under. We have an ultimate target of 48 hours.’’

    He said a new visa policy has made it easier for legitimate investors to receive long stay visas.

    “We have achieved a 24-hour timeline for registration of new businesses, leading to the registration of close to 7,000 companies within the second quarter of 2012.

    “The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has disclosed that as at July 2012, 249 new members across the country had joined the association, and that capacity utilisation has also improved.

    “The multiplier effect of this development on our job creation programme cannot be over-emphasised.’’

    On the country’s power supply situation, Jonathan expressed delight that electricity supply nationwide is gradually improving.

    “We are successfully implementing a well-integrated power sector reform programme, which includes institutional arrangements to facilitate and strengthen private-sector-led power generation, transmission and distribution.

    “We have also put in place a cost-reflective tariff structure that reduces the cost of power for a majority of electricity consumers.

    “I am pleased with the feedback from across the country, of improvements in power supply.’’

    The President also noted that the country had continued to improve and stabilise its crude production volumes.

    He said that the 12-month gas supply emergency plan put in place earlier this year had produced more than the targeted volume of gas for power generation.

    “A robust Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has been put before the National Assembly.

    “Its passage into law will ensure far-reaching reforms, transparency, accountability, increased government revenue and predictability for investors in the Oil and Gas sector,’’ he said.

    He said that several government programmes and projects were creating wealth and millions of job opportunities for the youths and general population.

    Jonathan said that such programmes include “You-Win’’, both for the youths and for women, public works, the local content initiative in the Oil and Gas Sector, and the agricultural transformation programme.

     

  • 5000 Kogi flood victims seek refuge in Enugu

    Over 5,000 flood victims from Elele, Ekanyi, Obale, Odeke and Affa in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State are seeking refuge in neighbouring Idah and Uzo-Uwani local government areas of Enugu State, following flooding in their communities on Friday.

    The victims crossed over to the Enugu boundary communities of Ogurugu, Ojjor and Iggah on Saturday using wooden canoes.

    They left without their property, which had been submerged.

    Last week, the people of Elele, Odobo, Nwajala and Ejule sought refuge in Iggah, following flooding in their communities.

    Many of the victims now reside in primary school classrooms.

    Residents of Idah council have taken some of the victims into their homes, but many of them are stranded.

    As at yesterday afternoon, Ekanyi and Affa residents were still arriving at Ogurugu, which has become a major host of the victims.

    Some Ogurugu indigenes are afraid that there could be an epidemic outbreak, owing to the massive influx of people and inadequate facilities to cater for them.

    Ibaji Local Government Chairman Dave Ogwu said the council had been deserted, following the destruction of houses, property, farmland and crops worth billions of naira.

    He urged emergency management agencies to assist the victims, who “have become refugees in Enugu State”.

    Ogwu said the situation was beyond the council’s control.

    He said Governor Idris Wada is scheduled to visit the victims tomorrow.

    Uzo-Uwani Council Chairman Mr. Cornel Onwubuya and his Idah counterpart, Chief Maximus Ukwuta, urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and similar agencies to provide shelter, food, drugs and clothing to the victims.

    They said many of them left homes with nothing.

    The Red Cross Society yesterday said it received reports of the “refugee situation” in Uzo-Uwani council and has directed its Enugu office to move to the area.

  • Red Cross evacuates 200 flood victims in Asaba

    THE Nigeria Red Cross Society in Delta State has relocated over 200 flood victims to a temporary camp in Asaba.

    Secretary of the organisation Mr. Francis Agarivbie spoke with reporters yesterday in Asaba.

    Agarivbie said the evacuation was done in collaboration with the state government.

    He said some of the evacuated persons had been given mattresses and blankets.

    Over 1,000 buildings were last Monday destroyed by flood in Oshimili South Local Government Area.

    Agarivbie praised the state government for its timely intervention and appealed for the provision of speed boats to facilitate rescue operations.

    He said many people are still trapped in the flooded communities.

    The Red Cross scribe urged the state government to set up a clinic at the camp.

    He urged donor agencies, individuals and corporate organisations to assist the victims.

    Some of the victims said they lost everything to the flood and urged the state government to assist them.

    Mr. Philip Ukadike said: “It is not easy to lose all you have laboured for in life. I am appealing to the government to help us get back on our feet. We need relief materials, so that we can start all over again.”

  • Dana Air and its victims

    No doubt, emotions are running high to effervescent level over the recent decision by the Ministry of Aviation to lift the suspension imposed on Dana Air. The airline was suspended in the aftermath of the crash involving its aircraft at Iju-Ishaga, a Lagos suburb, on Sunday, June 3.
    Since the crash that claimed about 163 lives, the aviation industry has not been the same again. Quite a lot has happened ever since as passengers on domestic flights have been finding it hectic travelling with the few operating airlines. By the last count, only three airlines—Arik, Aero, IRS—were operating. It is obvious that they have been trying their best to cope with the volume of passengers but their efforts have not satisfied demand. Departure times are in several instances, not kept while there have been frequent cancellations of flights. All these point to the fact that the existing airlines have been spread thin to the limit of their elasticity.
    So, ordinarily, it is a great relief that Dana Air is coming back once again. But the wounds are still fresh. Very fresh. Some people might want to say that the timing of their re-entry is bad enough. Not exactly so.  For those who lost loved ones, there is no better time even if the suspension is lifted in another five or 10 years’ time. The memory of the dead will continue to be everlastingly fresh.
    My major concern here is the disdain with which the airline has been treating the victims’ families and other victims whose property and means of livelihood were destroyed in the crash. So much has been written about the plight of the bereaved families, some of who are even yet to take possession of the corpse of their relatives for a befitting burial. We are told that some of them have received $30,000 each as compensation, awaiting the balance of $70,000 each as stipulated by International Law.
    Last Friday, one of the victims, Daniel Omowunmi, the owner of the storey building, the warehouse and the factory destroyed by the ill-fated aircraft, granted an interview in one of the national dailies. Going through the interview, one could see ‘man’s inhumanity to man’ in its raw form. Unfortunately, but quite expectedly, some Nigerians, including lawyers and one or two Lagos State government officials, were fingered as collaborators. If three months after the crash, the owner of the building on which the aircraft landed before bursting into flames had not received a kobo as compensation, one wonders what type of a country is ours.
    According to Omowunmi, who said he had written the management of Dana Air, claiming about N500 million as damages for the destruction of his property and business, what the airline offered him was a miserable and ridiculous N500,000. The N500,000, he said, was referred to as “a temporary settlement”. What is more, the airline’s management brought some forms that suggested that anybody that took the money actually applied for it. The letter, he said, was such that it was addressed to Dana, looking as if it was Omowunmi who originated the form or letter to Dana’s management. Not only this. Dana’s management has not had the courtesy of acknowledging Omowunmi’s letter of claims in writing. All he has got was a casual, verbal acknowledgement.
    In a country that has a functional government, Omowunmi’s case and that of other bereaved families of the victims of the Dana Air crash should have been speedily pursued. I am not a lawyer, but even if Omowunmi’s house or property had been destroyed, say by earthquake, which is a natural disaster, it is incumbent on the government to provide respite. But this is not a natural disaster. An aircraft lost its twin engines and instead of landing at an airport designated for such, it landed on somebody’s house and destroyed his livelihood in the process.
    If Nigerians are up in arms against Dana Air today, it is because of the notoriety Indians have acquired by their predilection for cutting corners and not playing by the rules. I am sure if we have to visit all the bereaved families and listen to their stories, they all have sad tales to recollect about their encounter with Dana Air officials. This is why I believe that it is the responsibility of the government whether Lagos State gove

    DELE AGEKAMEH

    rnment or the Aviation Ministry to ensure that the right thing is done for the families of the victims of the crash. Precious lives have been lost and there can never be any replacement or compensation that will be adequate. But then, both Dana Air and the government can minimise the agony of the bereaved through prompt and adequate payment of compensation. The recourse to paying any ridiculous amount, as is being alleged, smacks of indifference and outright wickedness on the part of the airline. It stands condemnable by all right-thinking human beings.
    I am not against Dana Air reentering Nigeria’s airspace but the right thing must be done. Otherwise, no amount of public relations or propaganda will douse the tense situation now prevalent among the bereaved families.
    And the government officials and other Nigerians who are colluding with these Indians to short-change their fellowmen must all bear in mind that the incident could have claimed the life of anybody. That we are still living today is by the grace of Almighty God. Nobody knows tomorrow. I can give countless examples of people who inflicted unimaginable pains on people and ended up miserably and tragically themselves. That is where the law of karma or retribution comes in. Whatever you do in life, good or bad, there is a reward for it. The only thing is that when the time to reap the reward comes, no one would remember what had happened in the past.
    Surely, we need Dana to resume its services, although, as for me, I am still skeptical about its safety records. There is need for more players in the airline Industry, especially now that two others—Air Nigeria and Nation Airlines – have suddenly gone asleep. In the case of Nation, we were told that the aircraft in its fleet had gone for routine maintenance ostensibly to stave off any danger in the nearest future. As for Air Nigeria, the airline had been “wobbling and fumbling”, to use Coach Fanny Amu’s words, for quite some time until its management decided to do the needful – take a break and reorganise.
    While Nation airline had only operated for a couple of months before it disappeared from the skies, the case of Air Nigeria is quite pathetic. The airline had been around for some time. When it operated as Virgin Nigeria under the aviation wizard, Richard Branson, it was the toast of many a traveller both within and outside the country. Then came the bang: for one reason or another, Branson decided to pull out his investment. The airline was later renamed Air Nigeria. Since then, things have somehow gone awry. Many stories about the airline have been bandied but most of them border on uncouth management practices. A situation where the airline takes money in cash in ‘Ghana Must Go’ bags to purchase aviation fuel and all that cannot be said to be smooth administration after all. Now that the airline has been wheeled to the hanger for what its management termed “Corporate Surgical Operation”, Nigerians are waiting to see whether a truly improved airline will emerge at the end of the exercise.
    Until then, all hands must be on deck to ensure safety in the skies. We cannot afford another disaster after all we have experienced in this country. Not anymore. Our philosophy, for now and forever, should be: “No more air disasters”.