Group Demands Extension Of Cash Assistance To Ogoni Communities

A youth group, the Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF), has called on the Rivers State government to extend its cash assistance gesture to flood victims in communities in Ogoniland of the state.

The state government, through the State Flood Management and Prevention Committee, led by the deputy governor, Prof Ngozi Odu, had in the last few days distributed N200,000 to over 60 families seriously affected by flood in communities in Obio/Akpor local government area of the state.

But, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday, OYF president, Dr Lergborsi Yamaabana, said flood victims in Ogoni deserve equal treatment like other communities in the state.

Yamaabana stated that over 23 communities in Ogoniland, such as Lueku, Lorre, Luebe, Yeghe, Bera, Kono, Kereke Bo-ue, Zor-Sogho, Okwale among others, were affected by the recent flood that devastated parts of the state.

“We welcome the Rivers State Government’s decision to provide ₦200,000 cash assistance and one year of free healthcare to flood victims in Eneka, Obio/Akpor LGA.

“We commend Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, who chairs the Rivers State Flood Prevention and Management Committee, for recognising the need to support families affected by this disaster. However, humanitarian relief must be guided by need, not geography.

“If flood victims in Eneka qualify for direct cash assistance and free healthcare, then equally distressed families in Nyokhana and other flood-stricken Ogoni communities deserve serious consideration for the same support.

“Our people are experiencing the devastating consequences of flooding, including submerged homes, damaged properties, shutdown of academic activities, destroyed farmlands and the loss of vital sources of livelihood,” the statement read.

The youths said they have chosen the path of responsible engagement because they believe that constructive dialogue must lead to practical results for the people.

“We respectfully urge the committee and the state government to act on this appeal by extending the ₦200,000 relief package and one year of free healthcare to verified flood victims in Nyokhana and other affected parts of Ogoniland.

“We also demand an urgent assessment of the damage, immediate assistance for displaced and vulnerable households, rehabilitation of drainage channels and the implementation of lasting flood-prevention measures.

“Let it be clearly understood: we are not asking for special privileges for Ogoni; we are demanding fair consideration for Ogoni people whose homes, farms and livelihoods have been devastated by flooding.

“We appreciate the government’s existing intervention, but compassion must not stop at the boundaries of the communities already receiving assistance. Every affected family deserves to be seen, heard and considered.

“We therefore call on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Flood Prevention and Management Committee to give this matter the urgency it deserves and ensure that no flood-affected community in Ogoniland is overlooked.”