Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nearly a year after devastating floods swept through parts of Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has donated relief materials to victims in Otuasega and Oruma communities, in what it describes as a gesture aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The distribution, which took place yesterday, targeted residents reeling from the 2024 flood disaster that caused significant displacement and economic loss. While the effort was applauded by some, the timeline of the intervention raised questions about the Commission’s responsiveness to emergencies.
Speaking at the event, NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, represented by Deputy Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, Mrs. Chioma Nwakwe, stated: “We are committed to alleviating the plight of the people by supporting vulnerable communities. This distribution is not limited to Otuasega and Oruma. It is part of our wider social intervention programme.”
She added that the donation was in partnership with the Ednest Egerue Foundation, and highlighted recent support provided by the Commission, including a free medical mission and the commissioning of a remodelled cottage hospital and school by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Despite the good intentions, the relief is being distributed several months after the 2024 floods, a fact not lost on observers.
Facilitator of the relief material distribution and Founder of the Ednest Egerue Foundation, Susan Ibiama, said: “This flood resulted in significant economic losses for these communities. This intervention is laudable.”
Community leaders, however, seemed more focused on expressing gratitude for the eventual support. The Vice Chairman of the Otuasega Community Development Committee, Mr. Innocent Abbey, acknowledged that the NDDC had contributed to infrastructure development in the area and thanked them for “remembering our people at this difficult time.”
“These items will go a long way in easing the burden on our people,” Abbey said.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Ngbiama-Oruma community, Mr. Akaribo Lamanya, commended the current NDDC board, assuring that the relief items would be distributed fairly.
The delay in aid delivery, while not directly addressed by NDDC officials, adds to public scrutiny over the Commission’s efficiency in responding to humanitarian crises in the Niger Delta.
