Nigeria: Former Youth Leader Tasks FG on Flooding in the Niger Delta
By Emeka Umejei – Shout-Africa Correspondent, Lagos – Medical practitioner and Former President of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), comrade Chris Ekiyor has tasked the federal government to extend palliatives to victims of flooding in the coastal communities of the Niger Delta.
Ekiyor, who was reacting to the rampaging flood that ravaged every part of the country, says most of the people in the coastal communities have resorted to self-help. The former youth leader, whose Rahi Medical Services Outreach has set-up relief camps in Kabowei Kingdom including, Patani, Adagbabiri, Abari, Aven, Kolowarein Delta state to ameliorate the impact of the flooding on the communities, urged government agencies responsible for emergencyevacuation, to ensure quick response or risk backlash on the communities.
He said:“The backlash of delay in the evacuation and rehabilitation of victim of flooding will complicate the situation on ground. RAHI is aware that the floods have devastated farmlands and potable water sources and as a result, there is a very high risk of public health issues, in the form of communicable diseases from poor sanitation and lack of food and water. Also there is the potential for dead pets and domestic animals increasing the possibility of disease transfer.”
According to Ekiyor, the efforts of Rahi emergency relief camps in KaboweiKingdom is a by personal sacrifices geared by the desire to stem the impact of the flood in the Niger Delta. He however adds that efforts at relief should be borne by the generality of the society and the government.
He said: “People we at RAHI can’t do this alone, we will strive and give the little we can, but please everyone must play a role send support to the camp. We value all kinds of support, food clothing, a helping hand and indeed cash donation to build more temporary homes.”
Proffering the way out of the woods, Ekiyor called on Niger Delta development Corporation (NDDC) and National Emergency management Agency(NEMA) to fine-tune strategies that will lead to effective rescue operation and evacuation at both the community and state levels. He further called on both government and the international community to support the effort of Rahi and other well-meaning Nigerians in rehabilitating victim of the flooding.
