The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has commenced the distribution of relief materials to communities ravaged by windstorms and fire outbreaks across four local government areas of Abia State.
The exercise, carried out in Umuahia in partnership with the Abia State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), targets Aba South, Umuahia North, Umuahia South, and Obingwa LGAs. Beneficiaries received food staples including rice, beans, salt, spaghetti, seasoning cubes, tomato paste, cooking oil, as well as detergent and mosquito nets.
SEMA Executive Secretary, Sunday Jackson, hailed the approval of the aid following thorough assessments, urging community leaders to ensure equitable distribution to the actual victims. “These items cannot replace the damage caused… but they are meant to cushion the impact,” he stated. He praised NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar and Governor Alex Otti for fostering a conducive environment for disaster response.
NEMA’s Head of Operations for Imo and Abia, Nnamdi Igwe, described the intervention as a federal “big brother” role aimed at alleviating victims’ hardships. He urged communities to promptly report future disasters via SEMA to facilitate swift federal intervention.
Beneficiary representative Elee Chinatu, from Ohia Ocha Community in Aba South, expressed gratitude to both tiers of government for the timely support. (NAN)