The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), on Friday, August 1, 2025, officially handed over and commenced the distribution of relief materials to persons affected by recent flooding in Bille Community, Rivers West Senatorial District of Rivers State.
The intervention, carried out through NEMA’s Port Harcourt Operations Office under the supervision of the South-South Zonal Director, Dr. Godwin Tepikor, was conducted in collaboration with the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency (RSEMA), led by its Director, Engr. Ogbanga Tamunosiki. The symbolic handover and distribution ceremony marked a significant step in supporting communities devastated by flood disasters in the region.
Representing the affected constituents, the Senator for Rivers West Senatorial District, Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, received the relief materials on behalf of beneficiaries. In her remarks, the Senator lauded NEMA’s swift response and extended her gratitude to the Director General, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, for promptly addressing the needs of the flood-affected residents. She also appealed to the Federal Government to prioritize long-term flood control and mitigation measures to prevent recurring disasters in the area.
Delivering the DG’s message, Dr. Tepikor conveyed the Agency’s sympathy to the victims and encouraged the beneficiaries to make responsible use of the distributed items. He reiterated NEMA’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of Nigerians affected by natural and human-induced disasters.
Community representatives, including Chief Luckyman Egila and Barr. Nelly Johnbull—who spoke on behalf of the Women’s Forum—expressed heartfelt appreciation to NEMA for the timely intervention, describing it as a great source of relief to the people of Bille.
The relief items distributed included essential food and non-food supplies such as bags of parboiled rice, garri, iodized salt, cartons of tomato paste, vegetable oil, and seasoning cubes.
NEMA’s visit and the subsequent distribution exercise underscore the agency’s continued efforts in providing emergency assistance to vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
