…state govt intensifies distribution of relief materials to victims

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged the Federal Government to dredge the River Niger as part of measures to prevent the flooding of areas on the banks of the river.

The governor made the call during the presentation of palliative items by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Obaseki, who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, said responses to checkmate the consequences of flooding in the country may not be enough if adequate measures are not emplaced to ensure lasting solutions to the problem.

He said, “On the issue of the flooding, beyond government or individuals coming to the rescue by way of providing shelter, food and other relief items, I think we should look for a permanent solution to put an end to this unfortunate incident.

“The solution, from my research, is to dredge the Niger River. Until we do that, we would have to continually do things like these. It is better to put an end to the problem once and for all. What is required is not political dredging. It must be handled by experts so that we can deal with the issue of flooding holistically.”

The governor said his administration will continue to respond positively to the needs of those displaced by the ravaging flood disaster in the state, adding that the government had since commenced the distribution of relief materials to the affected local government areas of the state.

He commended the Federal Government for supporting the state government’s response, noting, “We want to thank President Muhammadu Buhari, on behalf of those affected by the flood, for the relief materials.

“It is a collective responsibility when there are issues like these. I would love NEMA to help relay this message to the President about what we need to do beyond palliatives so that we can thank him more, even before he leaves office.”