Lokoja.
The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Yakubu Ajaka, has fulfilled his pledge of N70 million to victims of flood disaster in Kogi State.
In a statement released by Ajaka in Lokoja on Saturday, he said the donation was his own contribution to providing succour to the victims, following the devastating effects of flooding in the state this year.
Ajaka added that the donation was aimed at alleviating the suffering of the victims in the affected Local Government Areas (LGAs).
He stressed that Lokoja, Ajaokuta, Ibaji, Bassa and Koton Karfe LGAs were to get N10 million each, while Igalamela-Odolu, Idah, Omala and Ofu LGAs were to receive N5 million each from the fund for disbursement to the victims.
“I was so moved by what my eyes saw when I visited victims in the affected local government areas and decided to do something to assist.
“As my widow’s mite, l made a donation of N70 million to the eight local government areas badly affected in the state,” he said.
According to him, the amount he donated has been received by designated officials in each of the local government areas, who will map out strategies to ensure that the funds reach the victims.
“With the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) properly documented with the maximum cooperation given by the local government chairmen and other stakeholders, I’m very sure there will be fairness and equity in the distribution of the funds,”he hoped.
He, however,enjoined officials involved in the distribution to exercise restraint and ensure that the beneficiaries would not be determined along party or religious affinity, adding that the natural disaster was all encompassing.
“Let no individual or group see the gesture as an avenue to victimise anybody on the basis of political party, ethnic or religious affiliation.
“I expect the monitoring committee and chairmen of those local governments to work on the modalities to achieve fairness and transparency,” he added.
He commended the measures being put in place by the Gov. Yahaya Bello-led administratIon in distributing Phase I of the relief materials to flood victims.
CCN.
