By Sola Ogundipe
LAGOS—MOBILl Producing Nigeria Unlimited and Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, EEPNL, both ExxonMobil affiliates in Nigeria, have donated N80 million to the Nigerian Red Cross Society, NRCS, in aid of victims of the recent flood disaster that affected 24 states in the country.

The donation came in the wake of a confirmation by the National Emergency Management Authority, NEMA, that over one million people have been displaced by the floods.

Making the donation in Lagos, Lead Country Manager, ExxonMobil Affiliates in Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Mark Ward, said through partnership with the NRCS, the companies were working to provide relief to five of the most severely affected states including Akwa Ibom and Rivers
states.

Ward said the grant would be used for provision of medical services, water and basic amenities and other disaster prevention, risk reduction/preparedness and resilience activities.

He said: “These floods have become some of the most devastating to ever hit the nation and the magnitude of the impact is unparalleled. NEMA, has confirmed over one million people are displaced and are at risk of food shortages and potential epidemics. The multiplier effects on family units and on a community scale are better imagined.”

Receiving the donation on behalf of the NRCS, National Vice-President, NRCS, Deacon Timothy Oladele said moves were already in place for a centralised response.

He said “This great and timely donation from ExxonMobil will be of great relief to the flood victims and go a long way in bringing succour to them. The Nigerian Red Cross on its part will ensure that the relief materials get to the victims as we are independent, and always guided by the fundamental principles of the Red Cross which includes neutrality and impartiality.

“This will focus on areas in the 10 identified states of Adamawa, Niger, Kogi, Delta, Bayelsa, Anambra, Edo, Taraba, Plateau and Benue. These states have been chosen as being among the most affected due to their proximity to Rivers Benue and Niger.”

At least 50,000 victims are being targeted with materials and support for emergency shelter and recovery, basic household items, provision of water and sanitation facilities in camps, sensitization on flood related health risks; water, sanitation and hygiene promotion
activities.

Further, the NRCS spokesperson said quantity and selection of relief items is based on acceptable standards and that beneficiary selection will identify the most vulnerable displaced households (with focus on female and child-headed households, elderly and physically challenged) who have lost all properties.

“The situation on the ground has still not stabilized, however situation in the 10 identified states has been assessed, and based on this assessment, the NRCS, will continue to monitor the situation and conduct more detailed needs assessment. Activities will include disaster
preparedness and resilience activities to support sustainable recovery.

“People are living with host families because their houses have been destroyed or severely damaged. In the upper river areas the water is receding and thus enabling people to return to their houses and to rebuild their homes.

“Large populations are exposed to cold and rain, including increased respiratory diseases
He said coordination with other key stakeholders are being maintained to avoid creation of gaps and overlaps and that the NRCS continues to share Information within country partners and potential donors to ensure that gaps are identified and addressed accordingly through planning and advocacy.

On the rationale for assistance, he noted that in the lower parts of the river and the Niger Delta area people have been displaced homes because of the inundation and most are residing displacement camps.