Flood Disaster: Ogah Urges NEMA to Rescue Ebonyi Victims

…..Warns Against Sabotage of Nkalagu Cement Factory

By, Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki

The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chinedu Ogah, has called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to urgently provide relief to victims of flooding in Ebonyi State, particularly those whose farmlands, homes and household properties have been destroyed.

Ogah, who made the appeal on Monday in Abakaliki while interacting with journalists, also rallied support for the proposed Nkalagu cement factory in Ishielu Local Government Area, warning against attempts to frustrate the project, which he described as a major economic opportunity for the state.

The federal lawmaker expressed concern over the devastating impact of the floods on affected communities, noting that the destruction of farmlands, residential buildings and other valuables had worsened the economic hardship confronting many residents.

He urged NEMA to immediately deploy its assessment teams to the affected communities to determine the extent of the damage and provide relief materials and other essential assistance to victims.

According to him, prompt intervention by the emergency management agency would help ease the suffering of displaced families, support affected households and enable victims to begin the process of recovery.

Ogah also called on the Ebonyi State Government, relevant federal agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders to work together to ensure that affected residents receive the necessary assistance.

Turning to the proposed cement factory at Nkalagu, the lawmaker urged residents and stakeholders across the state to support the project initiated by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, describing it as a strategic investment with the potential to transform Ebonyi’s economic fortunes.

Ogah, who is the Ebonyi State Coordinator of the Tinubu Support Group, said the factory, upon completion, would create jobs for young people, attract investors, stimulate industrial development and potentially reduce the cost of building materials.

He argued that Ebonyi possessed the raw materials and other resources needed to sustain cement production, adding that the establishment of the factory would strengthen the state’s economic base and create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

The lawmaker cautioned against any attempt to undermine the initiative, insisting that the project should be regarded as a collective economic aspiration of the people rather than the personal ambition of the governor.

“Any Ebonyi person trying to sabotage the dream of the state owning its cement factory and having our youths gainfully employed must be seen as an enemy of the state. 

The state is craving for an opportunity like this, and Governor Francis Nwifuru has brought it to our doorstep. There is a need for everyone to give him maximum support,” Ogah said.

He assured Governor Nwifuru of the commitment of Ebonyi’s representatives in the National Assembly to supporting the actualisation of the project, while appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide the necessary assistance to ensure its timely completion.

Ogah noted that construction work had commenced at the Nkalagu project site, expressing optimism that the factory would become an important driver of industrialisation, employment generation and economic growth when operational.

He also dismissed suggestions that the cement factory was the governor’s personal project, maintaining that it was an initiative of the Ebonyi State Government designed to advance the collective interests of the people.

The lawmaker urged those spreading what he described as misinformation about the project to desist, while encouraging the governor to sustain efforts towards its successful completion.

On governance, Ogah commended Nwifuru for appointing 1,720 persons as Special Advisers and Executive Assistants, describing the appointments as part of efforts to strengthen governance and broaden political participation across the state.

He further praised the governor’s interventions in communal conflicts that had resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property in some communities, saying the peace-building efforts had helped restore stability and create a more conducive environment for development.

According to him, the restoration of peace in affected communities has also facilitated the return of displaced residents and improved prospects for economic and social activities.

Ogah equally commended President Tinubu for what he described as ongoing efforts to transform the country, while praising supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their continued commitment to the party’s programmes and development agenda.

He reiterated the need for collective action by government institutions, political leaders and citizens to address the challenges facing Ebonyi State, particularly the plight of flood victims and the need to pursue investments capable of expanding employment and economic opportunities.