The Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS) on Thursday commenced disbursement of N45.7 million to 1,500 2022 flood victims in Kogi
Alh. Danjuma Usman, Kogi NRCS Secretary, while flagging off the disbursement of the funds in Ibaji Local Government, said rach of the victims would receive N30,500 to cushion the effects of the flood disaster on their families and means of livelihoods.
According to reports, in ibaji that the 1,500 beneficiaries were selected across three local Government Areas (LGAs) of Lokoja, Kogi and Ibaji areas of Kogi, which are impacted yearly by floods
because of their geographic location.
The statistic shows that 500 of the beneficiaries are from Gbongboro, Budon, Eggan and Kinami communities in Lokoja LGA, another 500 beneficiaries are from Okelebe, Odaki and Ukwo communities in Kogi LGA.
The remaining 500 beneficiaries were selected from Odogwu, Unale and Itoduma communities in ibaji LGA.
The 1,500 beneficiaries are mostly women, aged persons and people living with disabilities.
Usman, who admonished the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the financial assistance, said the money was given to them to cushion the effects of the flood disaster on their lives and to restart their livelihoods.
He warned: “You should guard against fallen victims of dubious elements, who might approach you to bring part of the money.
“Don’t hesitate to raise alarm by reporting to us through the feedback phone number given to you or to the nearest police station of anyone pestering you for a part of the money.”
Also speaking, NRCS ICT Officer from the Abuja Headquarters, Mr Ahmed Bolaji, said: “It’s not in the character of the Red Cross to give financial assistance and send its officers to come from behind and collect part of it.”
Responding, the Acting Chairman of Ibaji Local Government, Mr Ijala Gabriel, thanked the NRCS for bringing succour to the flood victims.
Gabriel was particularly happy that the NRCS used the Yuletide period to give the financial assistance, describing it as timely, good and appropriate.
“I have known NRCS activities in our community for a long time, they are doing humanity job that is, what I just witnessed now, seeing my people gathered here and happy to receive the cash transfer.
“On behalf of the LGA and the communities here, we sincerely thank NRCS for coming in this yuletide period to come to our aid. God bless NRCS, ” Gabriel who is also the Director Local Government of Ibaji LGA said.
Also speaking , one of the beneficiaries , Mr Danladi Uko, from Unale community in Ibaji LGA, expressed gratitude to the NRCS for coming to their aid.
He said the intervention came in at a critical period when the effects of the flood disaster and effects of fuel subsidy removal was having biting negative effects on them.
Uko promised that he and other beneficiaries will make judicious use of the money.