Why C'River Is Yet To Distribute FG Palliatives
Hannah ARIKPO
The Director General of Cross River State state Emergency Relief Agency (SEMA), Apostle Amb. James Anam, has given reasons why the federal government palliatives are yet to be distributed in the state and announced government's decision to commence the sharing of the palliatives allocated to the state in two weeks time.
Giving reasons for the delay at his investiture as a state Patron of the United Nations International Organisation for Human Rights Development and Environment (UNIOHRDE) by the South South Coordinator, Pst. Comdr. Ashiebekong John, on behalf of the Global President and founder of the organisation, Hon. Akinyemi Ojo Adebayo, Anem explained that the grains were not enough for the populace and waiting for state government to increase the quantity to accommodate more beneficiaries.
He said: "Why we delayed the distribution of the grains from the federal government is because the Governor, Senator Prince Otu unanimously decided to get more bags of rice, beans, garri as well as swap some grains like corn to those that will be valuable to our people.
"Secondly, the number of targeted groups automatically increased, so the sharing formula to adopt became another challenge causing the delay in the distribution of the food stuff."
According to him, the Agency has chronicled all the disasters which occurred across the 18 local government areas of the state from 2023 till date, and expressed commitment to partner corporate organisations and NGOs that will assist SEMA Cross River State to formulate a globally accepted data.
Anam promised to collaborate with the Human Rights Organisation in Cross River in the provision of educational materials, training and development to enable the agency attain humanitarian strides as well as superintend over issues affecting the vulnerable in the society and thanked the organisation for appointing him Patron.
Presenting the Certificate on behalf of the Global President, UNIOHRDE, Hon. Akinyemi Adebayo, the South South zonal Coordinator, Pst.Comdr. Ashiebekong John, revealed that the organisation, which has its headquarters in New York, offers greater opportunities for collaboration with government at all levels, both local and foreign NGOs to deliver on its human rights mandate in Nigeria and beyond by receiving information on human rights violations in order to take appropriate steps to address the problems.
In different presentations, the state Director Social Welfare and Community Development, Dr Bright Ewona, Pst. Williams, state Secretary. Chaplain Adugba Julius Akanu - Agonye, stressed the importance of synerging with SEMA, since the two bodies have similar goals of imparting on the vulnerable in the society while the 'Go - To - School project of the organisation also yearns for assistance.
The event also featured presentation of Certificate of appointment, customised 'Go - To - School' exercise books, Polo & Cap to the SEMA DG, Apostle Amb. James Anem.
