Rivers govt approves N1 billion to aid flood victims

Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has approved the sum of N1 billion for emergency relief measures to support flood victims in Ahoada West and Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Areas of the State.

The governor also constituted a taskforce to coordinate the distribution of relief materials to the affected communities.

A statement by the Governor’s Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri on Wednesday, said Wike, who empathised with the flood victims, noted that the approved fund is to enable vulnerable families, particularly in affected communities, to cope with the devastating flood water which has inundated homes, farmlands and forced residents to relocate to safer places.

The governor said the Permanent Secretary, Special Services Bureau (SSB) in the Office of the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. George Nwaeke, will serve as the chairman of the taskforce, while, Mrs. Inime I. Aguma will function as the secretary.

Other members of the taskforce include the Chairman of Ahoada West LGA, Hon. Hope Ikiriko; Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, Hon. Vincent Job; Hon. Chukwuemeka Onowo and the Director of Administration in the Ministry of Special Duties.

According to the statement, “All members of the taskforce are to meet with the Rivers State governor at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday.”