Abakaliki
The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, OON, has appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to urgently provide relief materials and other essential support to victims of flooding in Ebonyi State, particularly those affected in Ikwo Local Government Area.
Ogah made the appeal on Monday in Abakaliki while speaking with journalists, expressing concern over the devastating impact of the floods on residents, farmlands, homes, household properties and other valuables.
The federal lawmaker urged NEMA to dispatch an assessment team to the affected communities to ascertain the extent of the damage and ensure that appropriate relief interventions reach the victims without delay.
He noted that the disaster had further worsened the economic difficulties confronting affected households, many of whom depend on farming and other small-scale economic activities for their livelihoods.
Ogah stressed the need for a coordinated response involving the federal and state governments, emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders to provide immediate assistance and support the recovery of affected communities.
Meanwhile, the lawmaker has called on the people of Ebonyi State to rally behind the proposed cement factory at Nkalagu in Ishielu Local Government Area, describing the initiative of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as a major opportunity to accelerate industrialisation and strengthen the state's economic foundation.
Ogah, who is the Ebonyi State Coordinator of the Tinubu Support Group, said the project, when completed, would generate employment opportunities for young people, attract investors, stimulate commercial activities and potentially reduce the cost of cement and other building materials.
According to him, Ebonyi State possesses the raw materials and other resources required to support cement production, making the proposed factory a strategic investment capable of unlocking the state's industrial and economic potential.
He maintained that the project should be regarded as a collective development initiative designed to benefit the entire state rather than a personal undertaking by the governor.
Ogah warned against actions capable of frustrating the initiative, arguing that the establishment of a cement factory in Ebonyi would create opportunities for economic growth, job creation and improved livelihoods.
“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,” he said.
The lawmaker assured Governor Nwifuru of the commitment of Ebonyi's representatives in the National Assembly to supporting efforts towards 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 work had commenced at the project site in Nkalagu.
Ogah further dismissed suggestions that the cement factory was the governor's personal project, insisting that it was an initiative of the Ebonyi State Government intended to promote the collective interests of the people.
He urged individuals circulating what he described as misinformation about the project to desist, while encouraging the state government to sustain its commitment to ensuring that the factory becomes operational.
The federal 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, widen political participation and enhance engagement with different segments of the state.
He said the appointments reflected the administration's approach to expanding participation in governance and consolidating its political structures across Ebonyi State.
Ogah equally praised the governor for his interventions in communal conflicts that had claimed lives and resulted in the destruction of property in some parts of the state.
According to him, the government's peace-building efforts have contributed to restoring stability in affected communities, facilitating the return of displaced residents and creating a more favourable environment for development.
He emphasised that sustained peace and security remained essential to attracting investments, promoting economic activities and ensuring that development projects deliver tangible benefits to the people.
The lawmaker also commended President Tinubu for his efforts towards transforming the country and praised members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their continued commitment to the party's programmes and development agenda.
Ogah reiterated the need for cooperation among political leaders, government institutions and residents to address pressing challenges, support economic initiatives and advance the overall development of Ebonyi State.
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