The Akwa Ibom State Government has begun distributing relief supplies to flood-hit communities in four local government areas, as households affected by the disaster receive assistance to cope with losses to their homes and livelihoods.
The intervention covers Uyo, Itu, Abak and Uruan Local Government Areas, where the government has handed over food and essential household items for onward distribution to affected residents.
The supplies, provided in collaboration with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, include 25kg bags of rice, beans, maize, noodles, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, wrappers and toiletries.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, who supervised the handover on behalf of the state government, said the intervention was intended to support residents facing hardship following the flooding.
Ibanga said the government recognised its responsibility to assist communities affected by natural disasters, adding that the partnership with the religious organisation had helped provide essential supplies for the victims.
She urged the benefiting local government councils to ensure that the materials reached residents directly affected by the flooding, stressing the need for proper distribution to those whose household resources and means of livelihood had been disrupted.
The benefiting councils gave assurances that the supplies would be delivered to the intended recipients, while expressing appreciation to the state government and its humanitarian partner for the intervention.
Uyo Local Government Chairman, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, was represented by the Secretary of Council, Dr. Ubong Udofia, while the Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Hon. Ubong Nkutt, was represented by Mr. Imo Okon.
In Abak, the council chairman, Lady Ime Charles, was represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Mfon Udo Udom. The Vice Chairman of Uruan Local Government Area, Mrs. Grace Edem, represented the council chairman.
The council representatives also pledged their continued support for Governor Umo Eno’s administration, describing the relief distribution as a practical response to the difficulties confronting residents affected by the flooding.
The Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, who witnessed the handover at the Abak Local Government Secretariat, commended the state government for extending the relief effort to flood-affected residents in the area.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs was accompanied by the General Manager of the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Hon. Unyime Etim.
