The Cross River State Government through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has initiated the distribution of relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the Belegete community in the Obanliku Local Government Area, starting on Monday.
The collaboration which was demonstrated during the formal flag off of the distribution of relief materials to victims of Cameroons Ambazonian separatists attacks on Belegete residents by the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey
In his remark, the Deputy Governor, who was represented by his Head of Personal Staff, Dr. Chris Ojikpong said that the current administration of Senator Prince Bassey Otu is committed to addressing challenges bedevilling Internally Displaced Persons (IPDs) in the state.
He underscored the importance of the government’s role in ensuring the welfare of its citizens and reassured that the administration of Senator Prince Bassey Otu would continue to address humanitarian issues and seek lasting solutions.
Deputy Governor Odey also urged the joint committee overseeing the distribution to ensure that the relief materials reach those directly affected, and that the items are used effectively to alleviate the hardships faced by the people.
Speaking further, he commended the security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the area, assuring that the government would continue to support them until the displaced residents could safely return home.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Director General of Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Apostle (Hon) James Anam, expressed gratitude to the Belegete people for their patience and peaceful conduct following horrific attack on them by Ambazonian separatists, which has now forced them to seek for shelter in nearby villages within the Local Government Area.
He sympathized with the community over the tragic incidents, which he described as “inhuman and totally unacceptable,” leading to the loss of lives and the destruction of farmlands.
He also appreciated the support of the Red Cross Society of Nigeria, which assisted the state government in assessing the damage caused by the attacks, and praised NEMA and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for their collaborative efforts in providing food, non-food items, and logistical support as part of the relief measures.
He intimated that distribution and transportation of all the relief materials would be carried out by a five-man committee constituted by the community and headed by the Head of Local Government Administration, Obanliku Local Government Council, Mrs Mary Ebun.
He charged the joint committee to be just, fair and equitable sharing of the items to all deserved beneficiaries irrespective of party affiliation.
In her brief remark, Head of Local Government Administration, Obanliku Local Government Council, Mrs Mary Ebun appreciated Governor Bassey Otu, his deputy, Rt Hon. Peter Odey and NEMA as well as other partners for their show of commitment, concern and compassion demonstrated for the plight of their people and also assured that the items will be distributed justly and equitably.
Community representatives, speaking on behalf of the Belegete people, expressed their gratitude to Governor Bassey Otu, Deputy Governor Peter Odey, the Director General of SEMA, and other partners for their continued support during difficult times. They pledged their unwavering support for the administration.
Highlight of the event was the symbolic distribution of food and non-food items, such as mattresses, rice, beans, wrappers, men’s, children wears, detergents, cooking stove and sanitary pads as well as a cash donation, among others by the Deputy Governor’s representative, with assistance from the Director General of SEMA.
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