NUPRC distributes flood relief materials to oil, gas victims

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has distributed flood relief materials to victims in Oil and Gas Host Communities in Akwa Ibom State.

The relief materials which were distributed to Eket, Eastern Obolo, Mbo, Ibeno, Ikot Abasi and Nsit Ibom local government areas include mattresses, groundnut oil, blankets and rice.

Head, NUPRC Eket Office, Mr Etukudoh Williams said on Tuesday during the distribution of relief materials to flood victims in the area that property worth millions of naira were destroyed during the period.

According to him, the relief materials were part of the agency’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative approved by NUPRC’s Chief Executive and Management, Mr Gbenga Komolafe for all flood-impacted communities.

He said: “As we are all aware, the past few months have been difficult for many in the flood-affected communities.

“It has been mixed feelings, despair and uncertainty in the minds of the flood victims, especially during yuletide when we were all celebrating in our homes with our families.

“Many have been dislocated in various parts of the country, as well as in our communities here in Akwa Ibom. Property and means of livelihood have been destroyed due to the ravaging impact of the flood,” he stated.

While commending the Federal Government, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and organised private sector for the support and assistance to the communities, the Regional NUPRC boss said the relief materials would put a smile on the faces of the people in this difficult time.

He reassured the host communities of the Federal Government’s support, saying more needs to be done to ameliorate the suffering of victims.

Also speaking, Mr Joshua Afia, Chairman of Ikot Abasi local government area, commended the commission for the gesture, saying it was the first of its kind for flood victims communities in the state.

Afia promised that the relief materials would be shared judiciously with the affected victims in the state and requested more relief materials for ravaged communities in the state.

On his part, the Chairman of Eastern Obolo LGA, Mr Abraham Odion applauded the Federal Government for the gesture and called for more relief materials to cushion the effect of the flood victims in the communities.

“We are really happy for what the commission has done for us, we want to use the opportunity to appreciate the Federal Government for identifying with the plight of rural and riverine that was affected by the flood,” he said.