The Rivers State Government has handed over relief materials to Degema and Tai Local Government Areas for distribution to residents affected by recent flooding in the two areas.
The presentation was made on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder Operational Base, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt.
The Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Flood Prevention and Management Committee, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, said the intervention was part of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s efforts to alleviate the hardship caused by flooding.
She acknowledged the suffering of affected residents, noting that the government remained committed to providing relief while pursuing sustainable solutions to the flooding problem.
Professor Odu urged the council chairmen to ensure that the materials reached the most vulnerable victims, stressing that their distribution must be fair and free from political considerations.
“Flooding does not know politics; it is only the people who are affected. Please ensure that these materials get to those who are expected to benefit from them,” she said.
Receiving the items on behalf of Degema LGA Chairman, Hon. Michael John Williams, his Chief of Staff, Pastor Ipalibo Yellowe, assured the state government that the materials would be distributed transparently to residents affected by the disaster.
Williams described this year’s flooding as particularly severe, adding that the intervention would provide relief to victims.
Similarly, the Chairman of Tai LGA, Dr. Mbakpone Friday Okpe, represented by his Supervisor for Environment and Chairman of the Flood Management Committee, Hon. Kalabe Kinsman, disclosed that the flooding had claimed two lives and displaced several residents.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the intervention, noting that the relief materials would bring some comfort to affected residents and reassure them of the government’s support.
Okpe also assured the state government that the materials would be distributed to the intended beneficiaries.
