*appeals for more donors, assistance
As the flood fast recedes and some of the displaced persons in Anambra
communities start the journey home, a group, Dionysius Nwankpo
Foundation in conjunction with other concerned citizens of Anambra
state have launched a non-governmental volunteer organization, Anambra
Responds, to lead the resettlement and rehabilitation of the about
700,000 victims spread across eight local government areas of the
state.
This was with the view that the government alone cannot do all that
was needed or expected to be done in tackling their needs.
Already, the state’s committee on the relief materials and
resettlement programme for the flood victims through its chairman and
the Secretary to the state Government (SSG), Chief Oseloka Obaze has
confirmed that some of the victims have started leaving for their
respective homes.
In some communities and camps it was noted that most of them were only
going for the end-of-the-year early farming season. That they only go
to farm and return to the camps later in the evening, as their
homes/environment were yet to be certified safe for habitation.
Addressing the 360 volunteers drawn from the affected communities, the
initiator and head of Anambra Responds, at the formal launch at the
weekend in Onitsha, Nze Akachukwu Nwamkpo said they were to assist the
government and the citizens in the resettlement challenges.
The volunteers, he noted were from Awka North, Ihiala, Ayamelum,
Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha South, Ogbaru and Ekwusigo Local
Government Areas. And would be trained and fully equipped on what were
expected of them and would stay in the relevant communities within the
next three months, integrate with them and seek out each community’s
needs, transmit and communicate same to the main control post at Nkisi
Palace Hotel, Onitsha on a round-the-clock basis.
Nwamkpo who is the Senior Special Assistant(Technical Matters) to
President Goodluck Jonathan, appealed for more donations from
individuals and corporate organizations from every part of the world,
pointing out that a website has been established for other necessary
details and references about the organization where necessary. That
picking/contact points have also already been set up at Lagos, Abuja
and Onitsha. While some transport and courier organizations partnering
with them were always on stand-bye to pick whatever item that needs
collection from any part of the world. There were also dedicated
telephone lines and attendants to respond to calls at any time of the
day or night. In addition, a committee was already handling all the
donations for proper handling and accountability.
The Presidential aide thanked those who share the vision and have
identified with the project. He urged them to do more and for more
people to join.
Chairman of the event and transport magnate, Chief Godwin Okeke
expressed gratitude to Nwankpo for the vision and efforts of the
group. He admitted that Anambra Responds has through the programme
brought citizens from all walks of life, including the clergy and
professionals together in solidarity with the flood victims
The Anglican Bishop of Ogbaru Diocese, Samuel Ezeofor thanked all
donors for their concern, praying that whatever was donated would be
properly utilized. He hoped that within a few weeks, through the
instrumentality of the government and the group the displaced persons
would start adjusting gradually back into their various communities.
A former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Imo state, Nze
Elvis Agukwe, who flew in from Abuja in response to the Anambra
Response appeals donated a set of solar-powered light for the victims
to use in resettlement efforts pending when the public power source
would be restored. The device stores energy from the sun and serves
for 16 uninterrupted hours. Whereas Juhel Pharmaceuticals Ltd was
acknowledged for partnering with them on drugs supplies; Mouka Foam,
on supply of mattresses; GUO Motors on haulage; Nkisi palace Hotels on
accommodation, other citizens were appreciated for various other cash
and kinds contributions.
