By Ogochukwu Isioma in Benin City
The Governor Godwin Obaseki led Edo State Government, on Wednesday, presented relief materials to victims of a fire incident in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area (LGA) and Owan Community, in Ovia North-East (LGA), among others.
The Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Special Duties and Rapid Response, Gilbert Egwakhide, while distributing the materials to the beneficiaries, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of citizens.
He said, “Recall that some time ago, a tanker loaded with diesel fell and was engulfed by fire by the Secretariat and there was also a fire disaster that gutted properties at Aburime Street, both in Ekpoma, Esan West LGA. Another fire disaster was recorded in Owan Community, Ovia North-East.
“We have come today to support the affected communities with relief materials to the affected victims and remind Edo residents that His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki will always respond to the needy in the society.
“What is clearly demonstrated here today is the Governor’s concern for the people of the state. Whenever anything of this nature happens, there is an appropriate response in terms of donation of rehabilitation materials.”
Head, Edo State Emergency Management Agency, Mrs. Obayuwana Helen added, “Through Edo State Emergency Management Agency, Governor Godwin Obaseki has provided relief materials – wood, cement, foodstuff, roofing sheets, nails, etc- to ease the sufferings of these fire disaster victims which all happened in December 2022.
“This year alone, we have provided emergency and relief materials to flood victims in Etsako Central, Owan West, Ovia North-East, Ovia South-West, Ikpoba-Okha, and Esan South-East LGAs, among others. Other beneficiaries include the victims of the Evbareke fire disaster who received both cash gifts and had their medical bills paid by the governor, as well as victims of the Lagos Street fire incident.”
Director of Socials, Ovia North-East, Monday Unemhin, on behalf of the beneficiaries in Owan Community, expressed appreciation to the governor for the gesture.
Also, Mr. Mustafa, a victim of the fire incident at Aburime Street, while hailing the government’s intervention, noted, “Our house got burnt early morning on 25th December and we cried to the governor for help. We got the call to come to get our relief materials today which came as a huge surprise.”
