Okuama: Dafinone visits IDP Camp,  assures of continuous support

The Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, yesterday (Sunday) visited the Ewu-Okuama Internal Displaced Persons, IDP camp, in Ewu Ughelli North local government area of Delta State.

Senator Dafinone who arrived at the camp accompanied by the monarch of the Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Clement Ikolo Oghenerukvwe, assured the people of Okuama of his continuous support in ensuring that they are fully settled in their ancestral land.

The Delta Central lawmaker who was on a working visit to ascertain the level of assistance needed at the Ewu Okuama IDP Camp, was received by Mr Abraham Ogbodo, Former Editor of Guardian Newspaper and Chairman of Ewu-Okuama IDP Management Committee and his team.

Mr Ogbodo took the Senator and King around the camp, explaining the struggles the displaced people face daily. “Though we are grateful for the response from the State Government and individuals, what we are getting is over 500 internally Displaced persons, while the camp can only accommodate 300” Ogbodo said.

“As of today we have 422 Okuama IDPs in the camp, the facilities are stretched, and the people need more support from the governments at all levels and good-spirited donors,” he added.

Senator Dafinone while addressing the press after a facilities tour of the camp, acknowledged the challenges faced by the Camp managers, he praised the team for the work being done. “I must commend the camp management, they have excellent plans in place to help the people,” the Senator said.

The Senator went on to discuss the specific issues raised during his visit. “We looked at medical care, camp capacity, food supplies and accommodations. Plans are being made to improve on all of these areas,” he noted.

Dafinone also brought up discussions around economic rehabilitation and skill-building programs at the camp. “Helping the people become self-sufficient again is very important for the future,” the Senator stated.

When asked about any noticeable shortcomings in the running of the Camp, the Senator had only praise. “I did not see any issues that were not already being addressed. The camp team has everything under control,” he responded.

The Delta Central Senator promised to take the feedback and concerns from the IDP camp back to relevant government agencies and groups with the aim of securing more support and relief for the displaced people of the Okuama community.

Some women at the camp lauded the Senator for all his efforts since the crisis arose, according to them; “We are grateful for his concern since our crisis began,” said Mariam Akpodonor, 38. “But we need more aid, especially for our children’s education,” she added.

Earlier in the day, the Senator was at Senior Pastor Johnmark Ighosotu’s Church, God’s Delight Gospel Assembly, (Aka Free Indeed) to congratulate and celebrate with him on his 10-year anniversary in ministry.

He also paid condolences to the families of the late Kenneth Gbagi, Social Democratic Party, SDP, Governorship candidate in the last election and a former member of the Delta House of Assembly and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Olorogun Engr. Eme Mukoro.

The Senator’s last stop was the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Efurun, where a 50-bed hostel is under construction. Dafinone who facilitated funding for the project went to inspect the construction progress.

After assessing the level and quality of work done by the contractor, the Senator said he was pleased with the work so far. “Quality infrastructure is important for our youth. I will continue supporting educational development in our senatorial district to ensure that our people are globally competitive,” Dafinone stated.