Flood Disaster: Ogah Urges NEMA To Provide Urgent Relief To Victims, Backs Nkalagu Cement Factory

Charles Iteshi, Abakaliki The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, OON, has called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to urgently intervene in the flood disaster affecting communities across Ebonyi State, particularly in Ikwo Local Government Area.

Ogah made the appeal on Monday in Abakaliki, the state capital, while interacting with journalists. He expressed concern over the destruction of farmlands, residential buildings, household properties and other valuables, noting that the disaster had compounded the hardship faced by affected residents. He urged NEMA to conduct an urgent assessment of the affected communities and provide relief materials and other essential assistance to alleviate the suffering of victims and facilitate their recovery. The federal lawmaker also called on stakeholders and residents of Ebonyi State to support the establishment of a cement factory at Nkalagu in Ishielu Local Government Area, describing the project initiated by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as a strategic investment capable of transforming the state’s economy. Ogah, who serves as the Ebonyi State Coordinator of the Tinubu Support Group, said the factory, upon completion, would create employment opportunities for youths, attract investment, stimulate industrial growth and potentially reduce the cost of building materials. He maintained that Ebonyi State possesses the raw materials and other resources required to sustain cement production, stressing that the project represents an important opportunity to strengthen the state’s economic base and create sustainable livelihoods. The lawmaker cautioned against any attempt to undermine the initiative, insisting that the project should be viewed as a collective economic aspiration rather than a personal undertaking by the governor. “Any Ebonyi person trying to sabotage the dream of the state owning its cement factory and having our youths gainfully employed must be seen as an enemy of the state. The state is craving for an opportunity like this, and Governor Francis Nwifuru has brought it to our doorstep. There is a need for everyone to give him maximum support,” Ogah said. He assured Governor Nwifuru of the commitment of Ebonyi’s representatives in the National Assembly to supporting the actualisation of the project. He also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide the necessary support to facilitate the timely completion of the factory, noting that construction had commenced at the Nkalagu project site. Ogah further dismissed claims that the cement factory was the governor’s personal project, maintaining that it was an initiative of the Ebonyi State Government intended to advance the collective interests of the people. He urged those spreading what he described as misinformation about the project to desist and encouraged the governor to sustain efforts towards its completion. The lawmaker also commended Governor Nwifuru for appointing 1,720 persons as Special Advisers and Executive Assistants, describing the appointments as part of efforts to strengthen governance and broaden political participation across the state. He equally praised the governor for interventions in communal conflicts that had resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property in some communities. According to him, the peace-building efforts have helped restore stability, facilitate the return of displaced residents and create a more conducive environment for development. Ogah also commended President Tinubu for what he described as ongoing efforts to transform the country and praised supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their continued commitment to the party’s programmes and development agenda.