The Director General National Emergency Management Agency Mustapha Habib Ahmed today led the Agency’s team to Port Harcourt where he presented relief items approved by the Federal Government for persons and families affected by the recent stampede at an outreach programme of a church in the City.
Prior to the relief presentation, the DG NEMA and his team met with the Deputy Governor of Rivers State Dr (Mrs) Ipalibo Gogo Harry-Banigo and delivered the condolences of the Federal Government and NEMA. Responding, the Deputy Governor appreciated the Federal Government for the quick response and delivery of relief supports to the affected persons and families.
Furthermore, the DG NEMA held and interactive session with disaster management stakeholders in Rivers State, during which he emphasized on the imperative of partnership among the agencies.
In a remark while presenting the relief items to the Lead Pastor of the Kings Assembly Church, Chris Ugoh for onward distribution to affected persons, the DG NEMA said the gesture by the Federal Government was aimed at providing succour to families of those that lost their lives and the injured persons. Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Pastor Ugoh appreciated the Federal Government through NEMA for the gesture. He assured that the items would be distributed orderly and appropriately to the target beneficiaries.
The team from NEMA was led by the DG and comprised of the Director Relief and Rehabilitation Alhaji Alhassan Nuhu, SADG Mr Idris Abubakar Mohammed and Deputy Director Operations Mr Bashir Idris Garga. The South South zonal Coordinator Mr Godwin Tepikor led staff of the zonal office to join the HQ team.
A member of the House of Representatives from Rivers State Hon Kinsley Chinda who was also at the Government House and witnessed the relief delivery also appreciated the Federal Government and NEMA for the kind gesture.
Participants at the stakeholders meeting were drawn from the FRSC, Nigeria Police, NSCDC, Federal Fire Service, Rivers State Ministry of Special Duties, University of Port Harcourt CDRMDS, The Red Cross,etc.
Beside accompanying the DG NEMA to the Government House, the stakeholders also followed to Polo Ground location of the sad incident of stampede.