By Uko Etim
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has distributed relief materials to victims of the May 2025 flood disaster in four local government areas of Akwa Ibom State.
The exercise, carried out on Thursday under the Federal Government’s Special Intervention for the 2025 flood, covered Uyo, Ibesikpo Asutan, Uruan and Nsit Atai local government areas, which were severely affected by the flooding.
Items distributed included 300 bags of rice, 300 bags of garri, 150 cartons of spaghetti, 30 cartons of vegetable oil, 30 cartons of tinned tomatoes, 30 cartons of seasoning cubes and 30 bags of iodised salt.
Speaking during the distribution, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, sympathised with the affected communities over the losses recorded as a result of the disaster.
Mrs Umar, who was represented by the Head of Operations in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Mmandu Aisueni, urged beneficiaries to accept the support from the Federal Government with gratitude, noting that the intervention was aimed at providing immediate relief as victims rebuild their lives.
“It is with mixed emotions that we gather here today, saddened by the devastating impact of the recent floods, yet hopeful as we come together to provide much-needed relief to our brothers and sisters,” she said.
She added that the effects of the flood had been deeply felt in the affected communities, disrupting livelihoods and leaving many residents in urgent need of assistance.
Umar stressed the need for governments, especially at the grassroots, to intensify sensitisation and policy initiatives to help communities mitigate the effects of climate change and weather-related disasters.
She explained that the relief materials were not meant to fully compensate victims for their losses but to demonstrate shared humanity and the Federal Government’s commitment to their recovery. She assured that NEMA would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety of residents.
Also speaking, the member representing Uyo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr Mark Esset, commended the Federal Government for its timely response to the plight of flood victims.
Esset expressed satisfaction with the quality of the relief items, saying they would help cushion the impact of the disaster on affected families. He urged his constituents to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustained development.
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the intervention. Mr Idorenyin Inyang from Nsit Atai Local Government Area said the relief materials would go a long way in helping them cope with the difficult situation.
Similarly, Mrs Peace Kokoette from Uruan Local Government Area thanked NEMA and Mr Esset for facilitating the intervention, noting that she had feared the government had forgotten the affected communities.
