Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Umana Okon Umana, yesterday, visited Ihuike community in Ahoada local government area of Rivers State to sympathize with
the indigenes of the community who have suffered personal harm and lost their means of livelihoods to a devastating flood that has also cut the East-West Road in the area into two.
Umana, who was in Rivers State on a working visit to the Niger Delta Development Commission , directed that the damaged section of the East-West Road be repaired immediately to restore unhindered flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and bring back normal life to the traumatised community. The minister informed residents of the Ahoada community that the federal government felt their pain and that President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that in addition to what has been done already to bring relief to flood victims in the region, all relevant ministries and agencies should put up accelerated and concerted efforts to bring succour to flooded communities in the region.
After a tour of the flooded community, the minister visited the head office of the NDDC where he addressed management and staff of the commission on his vision for the region and the place of both the NDDC and the Ministry of the Niger Delta Affairs in achieving that vision.
“It is in your hand to change that perception of failure,” Umana urged the staff of the commission. “The change is in your hand.” He charged everyone in the commission to act in a manner that will reinforce the new brand image of an upright organisation that respects due process.