By Chisom Okpala :
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has expressed his gratitude to the Church of Jesus Christ of Later -Day Saints for bringing succour to those affected by flood in the state.
“I want to thank the Church immensely on behalf of the state government and the great people of the state for this kind gesture,” Soludo noted.
The Governor explained that flooding in the state is an annual reoccurring disaster and should be treated as a permanent emergency.
While calling on other Religious bodies, private sectors, NGOs, International Organizations, Communities, Individuals, others to emulate the example shown by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in extending partnership to the state, Gov. Soludo reiterated that the Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP) model is widely adopted in every sector of development in the state, pointing out that the church fall into the community context of the model.
He, thereby, promised that the government team will ensure efficient distribution of the items, making sure that the items were given to those in most need of them.
Speaking, the State Deputy Governor, Dr. OnyekaChukwu Ibezim who is the Chairman Anambra State Flood Management Team said that no mortality has been recorded in this year’s flooding, which is as a result of the proactive measures adopted by the government in mitigating flooding in the state.
He, then, thanked the Governor for ensuring that various holding centers in the state are liveable, for improving the sanitary condition of these camps, securing the camps and its environment, as well as provision of food and other amenities.
Presenting the items to Anambra State Government at the SEMA office in Awka, the Regional Manager, Welfare and Self-reliance, Charles Adebayo and Area Seventy member, Dr. Justice Otuonye both of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in their various speeches explained that it is the obligatory concern of the church to render service to humanity.
“All our care is what Jesus Christ would have done if he was to be here, to see to the welfare of his friends, children and people.”
The duo commended the developmental strides of Gov. Soludo. According to them, the church understands the situation of those affected by the flood, thus have found it necessary through the church emergency response programme to cater for its members as well as non-members.
Highlight of the event featured the presentation of these donated items; Rice, Beans, Garri, Red oil, Cartons of Milk, Bournvita, Sugar, Noodles, Soaps, Detergents, Sanitary Pads, Mosquito Nets, others worth N250,000,000 to the state government.
*Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State