‘Identify philanthropists, reach most affected victims’ — PANDEF sets up flood relief committee

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has announced the constitution of a committee to coordinate relief efforts for victims of flooding in the Niger Delta.

The development comes amid flooding across the country, with hundreds of persons killed and millions displaced.

According to a statement issued on Monday by Ken Robinson, national publicity secretary of the forum, the decision was taken at PANDEF’s “extraordinary meeting” held on October 20.

“The Flood Relief Committee is to be chaired by the National Woman Leader of PANDEF, Dame Betty Igbeyi,” the statement reads.

Members of the committee include “Obonganwan Grace Ekong and Engr. Sunday Umoh representing Akwa Ibom State; Chief Douyi Douglas-Naingba and Hon. Vivien Ere representing Bayelsa State; Hon. Bassey Ekefre and Hon. Ani Esin representing Cross River State; Bishop Dr. Jonathan Dike, JP and Chief Mrs. Olivia Agbajoh representing Delta State; Engr. Don Ben, representing Edo State”.

Also in the committee are “Engr. Beks Dagogo-Jack, former Technical Assistant on Power to Former President Goodluck Jonathan represents Rivers State; Chief Denzil Amagbe Kentebe (Lagos), Chief Atamuno Atamuno (Lagos), Dr. Emmanuel Akpanobong (Medical) and Barr. Dickson Sofiyegha (Legal)”.

“The terms of reference of the Flood Relief Committee are to identify the communities that are most affected by the flood in the Niger Delta States; decide on the form and extent of Relief to be provided; identify charitable sons and daughters of the Niger Delta as well as corporate organisations within and outside the region to engage for support and partnership; decide the best approach to employ in the deployment of the relief effort and ensure the principled, timely, effective and efficient implementation of the relief effort, amongst others,” the statement reads.

“The committee has three months to conclude its assignment, with effect from the 24th of October, 2022.”