The people of Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State erupted in celebration on Thursday as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) delivered truckloads of relief materials to the Ewu-Urhobo Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp.
The NDDC delegation, led by its Delta State Representative and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chief Monday Igbuya, explained that the relief effort was part of the commission's intervention programs aimed at alleviating the suffering of the displaced Okuama people. The displacement followed a conflict between the Okuama Community and the Nigerian military, which necessitated the establishment of the IDP camp.
Items donated included sewing machines, bags of rice and beans, cartons of noodles, toiletries, mattresses, pillows, wheelbarrows, water drums, boats, and other essential supplies. Chief Igbuya, speaking on behalf of the NDDC board and management, emphasized the commission's commitment to supporting vulnerable communities in the Niger Delta region.
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Other items donated by NDDC to Okuama IDP Camp[/caption]
"We are here today to present these items on behalf of the board and management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC," said Chief Igbuya. "The NDDC, as an intervention agency, saw the need to step in and provide these palliatives to help the Okuama people in this challenging time. This intervention was came on five truckloads of items meant to ease their burden and help them transition back to their homes."
Chief Igbuya expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the NDDC leadership for their role in facilitating the relief effort. "I want to specially thank Mr. President for his gracious approval, which made this possible. Without his support, these items would not be here today. This is a testament to his fatherly care and commitment to the Niger Delta region," he added.
Receiving the items, Mr. Abraham Ogbodo, Chairman of the Okuama IDP Camp Management Committee and former Editor of The Guardian, applauded Mr President and the NDDC for its generosity and foresight.
Ogbodo, speaking on behalf of the Delta State Government, noted that the governor set up the camp to ensure the well-being of the displaced. He expressed hope that the donated items would pave the way for a smooth transition as the Okuama people prepare to leave the camp after seven months of displacement.
"I was expecting a token, but this is not a token; this is substantial, and this is being presented on behalf of the presidency; we are very, very grateful to Mr President and NDDC; you have come so big and gracious, Ogbodo remarked.
"These materials will not only support the Okuama people as they prepare to return home but also provide a start-up for rebuilding their lives. The inclusion of boats shows the NDDC conducted a proper needs assessment, reflecting the riverine nature of our community."
