Residents of Ojuk North and South in Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State, have received relief materials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), following a destructive windstorm that struck the communities a few months ago.
The relief items, presented on Thursday, were part of the Federal Government’s intervention after an earlier damage assessment by NEMA officials. Dr. Victor Akpakpan, Head of the Relief and Rehabilitation Department at NEMA’s Uyo Office, made the presentation on behalf of the agency.
Items distributed included 300 bags of rice (25kg each), 300 bags of garri, and 150 cartons of spaghetti. Additional supplies comprised 30 cartons each of vegetable oil, tomato paste, and seasoning cubes, as well as 30 bags of salt.
Speaking during the handover, Dr. Akpakpan, who represented Ms. Aisueni Mmandu, Head of Operations at NEMA Uyo, explained that the agency had previously visited the affected communities for an on-the-spot assessment, which informed the relief response.
“When a disaster occurs, the immediate need is to provide food for the victims, and that’s what the Federal Government has done,” Akpakpan said. He added that further support may follow based on ongoing evaluations and communication with the government.
He urged community members to report disaster incidents promptly, emphasising that while NEMA operates across the country, the agency depends on timely alerts to respond effectively.
Mrs. Anthonia Michael, a beneficiary from Ojuk North, described the experience as traumatic, recalling how the storm caused extensive damage to homes and farmlands.
“That night was terrifying. Many of us prayed through the storm. While we’re grateful no lives were lost, the damage was overwhelming,” she said. Michael also appealed for building materials such as zinc sheets, cement, and nails to help families rebuild.
In a similar vein, Mr. John Agbor from Ojuk South thanked the Federal Government for the food aid but pointed out that the communities still grapple with a lack of electricity and poor road infrastructure.
