Yenagoa – Reuben Okoya, a US-trained architect and philanthropist, has appealed to public-spirited individuals and corporate organisations to come to the aid of persons displaced by the flood in Bayelsa State.
He noted that the donation of relief materials and other relevant items would go a long way to ameliorate the sufferings of the flood victims during and after the disaster, stressing that government alone cannot provide all the succour needed by the internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Okoya, an indigene of Bumoundi in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state, made the appeal when he visited flood victims at the IDPs Camps at Amassoma, Ogbia, Boro Town (in Kaiama) and Igbogene in the state, and made donation of N1million.
Empathising with the flood victims, the philanthropist said he was deeply touched by the pains and suffering the IDPs were going through as a result of the natural catastrophe.
He said it was important to also take into consideration how the affected persons would go back home from the IDPs’ Camps and sustain themselves after the flooding had receded.
Okoya said, “In flood mattes, there are pre-flood issues, flood issues and post-flood issues. I think we have come to the point where we are dealing with post-flood activities.Â
“How do these people go back to their homes that were flooded?  If they go back and fall sick, how do they respond? The private sector needs to come in and help them sort out all theseâ€�.
At the Ogbia IDPs’ Camp, he felicitated with six women who were delivered of their babies and promised to contribute to their upkeep.
He instantly sponsored some sick children and the elderly to be rushed to a near-by clinic for urgent medical attention.Â
Proffering solutions to the flooding in Bayelsa, Okoya, suggested that a holistic approach, including the commissioning of experts to carry out scientific studies, desilting and regular clearing of drainages and natural water channels.
He commended the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for co-ordinating activities at the various IDPs’ Camps and urged medical professionals to volunteer their services to the flood victims.
Receiving the cash donations, Ikeama Ebiowei and Roland Obiri, SEMA’s representatives in Kolokuma/Opokuma and Ogbia, and Chairman of Amassoma Community Development Committee (CDC), Biriabebe Samuel, thanked Okoya for visiting the IDPs and also donating generously to the flood victims’ upkeep.
The post Flooding: Philanthropist Okoya Visits Bayelsa IDP Camps, Donates N1m appeared first on Independent Newspapers Nigeria.
Flooding: Philanthropist Okoya Visits Bayelsa IDP Camps, Donates N1m
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