Ex-Bayelsa Gov, Dickson, Friends Raise N21m For Flood Victims

Former governor of Bayelsa State and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson and his friends have raised N21 million to support families ravaged by the current flood waves across Nigeria.

While Senator Dickson donated over N15 million, his friends raised N11 million to support the flood victims under the platform of Friends of Senator Dickson.

Senator Dickson, who conveyed his appreciation to the donors most of whom preferred to be anonymous, also expressed the gratitude of the beneficiaries. He reiterated his appeal to public spirited individuals, NGOs and corporations to come to the rescue of displaced and suffering flood victims.

Dickson said in a statement yesterday that he appreciated the effort of his friends who came together to start this humanitarian drive.

Dickson also reiterated the policy of the foundation to record and publish the list of all donors as well as the beneficiaries for purposes of transparency.

However, he said where there are requests for anonymity, the foundation will have no option than to respect their preference.

He added that donation is not only in cash but also in kind as the foundation would make arrangements to receive all such donations in kind such as relief materials of every description.

The senator announced a donation of N400,000 to each of the wards in the Sagbama Ekeremor Senatorial District on Wednesday in Abuja. Dickson, a former two-term Governor of the state also announced a donation of N5 million to those affected by the flood in Yenagoa, the state capital.