The Rivers State Government says it always takes proactive measures in the prevention and management of disasters.
Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike stated this while playing host to the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday,9th June 2022.
Speaking through, his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Governor Wike said, nobody prays for disaster or hopes for it, stressing that the fatal stampede that took place at the Polo Club in Port Harcourt, on May 28th at a program organized by the King’s Assembly was unfortunate.
He said the Ministry of Special Duties had visited the Church and the victims who were in the hospital, adding that those who were admitted had all been discharged.
“We are very sorry; it is a real tragedy, particularly for those who lost their lives, and families who are bereaved. We will make sure that nothing close to that happens again, we are grateful to NEMA and we are happy that FG has responded to us”. Governor Wike further stressed.
The Governor advised NGOs, churches, and well-meaning, individuals who want to conduct such outreach programs to work with the Department of Emergency in the Ministry of Special Duties whose doors are open to help.
He said when we had Covid 19, Rivers State was the first to lockdown, to ensure that we curtailed the incidence within the borders of our State to greatly prevent the degree of the epidemic not just in Rivers State, but all over the country.
“We will always take the lead when it comes to managing such issues, we are conscious of it and as patriotic Nigerians, we always want to make sure that we safeguard the lives of all those who work and do business in Rivers State”. The Governor quipped.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency Mustapha Habib Ahmed said NEMA was established in March 1999, by Act 12 as amended by Act 50 of 1999 to manage disasters in all their ramifications.
He said in fulfilling its mandate NEMA has developed several plans and guidelines, which include the National Disaster Response Plan, the Search and Rescue/Epidemic Evacuation Plan, the National Nuclear and Radiological Plan, and the Early Warning System on Epidemics amongst others, adding that over the years NEMA has encountered challenges and learned lessons in the implementation of the plans.
Items donated by NEMA include 1,000 bags of rice (10kg), 50kegs of vegetable oil, 30 cartons of seasoning cubes, 20 bags of salt, 21 cartons of tin tomatoes (24/48), 1,000 nylon mats, 1,000 pieces of towels, 1,000 pieces of mosquito nets, 50 cartons of bath soap, 500 pieces of mattresses, 500 pieces of blankets, 500 pieces of brocade, 500 pieces of wax prints, 100 packets of diapers, 100 packets of sanitary pads, 100 bags of detergents.
