By Patrick Titus, Uyo
Committed to its humanitarian gestures, the Church of Jesus Christ Later-Day Saints has donated food and non-food relief materials for distribution to families affected by the recent flood disasters in Akwa Ibom State.
Receiving the items on behalf of the state government on Tuesday at the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency office in Uyo, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, commended the church for its demonstration of love and compassion towards vulnerable residents affected by the disaster.
Princess Ibanga acknowledged the donation as a significant complement to the state government’s ongoing humanitarian response to the flood disaster in the state.
She said the gesture further underscored the church’s commitment to humanitarian service and its growing partnership with the Akwa Ibom state government.
The commissioner recalled that the church had, a few months ago, donated wheelchairs and walking aids to the state and brought technicians from Uganda to train local personnel in the assemblage and maintenance of the mobility devices.
She also commended the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), under the coordination of the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, for painstakingly collecting and collating data on affected persons and communities, which, she said, enabled the church to identify areas of need and channel its intervention appropriately.
The Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Joseph George Esidem, who stood in for the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi recalled that several parts of the State had recently experienced flooding, resulting in damage to homes, businesses, farmlands and crops, as well as disruption of livelihoods.
He commended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for responding to the plight of affected families and assured that SEMA, in collaboration with NEMA, would ensure the relief materials were distributed equitably, transparently and to genuine victims of the disaster.
Speaking during the handover, a representative of the Africa West Area Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Christian Chibundu, said the church decided to reach out to flood victims because its faith teaches love, compassion and service to humanity.
Elder Chibundu said the donation reflected the church’s commitment to following the example of Jesus Christ and living according to biblical teachings.
He noted that the recent flooding had left many families vulnerable and without adequate food, shelter and other basic necessities, stressing that the intervention was intended to bring relief, comfort, encouragement and renewed strength to affected families.
Chibundu recalled the church’s recent donation of wheelchairs and walking aids to the state and other parts of the country, describing such interventions as evidence of the organisation’s commitment to partnership and collaboration with government and communities.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Idongesit Dan, expressed gratitude to the church for coming to their aid and appreciated the State Government for its continued concern for families affected by the disaster.
The items donated by the church include 1,500 bags of 25kg rice, beans, garri, bags of corn, cartons of noodles, 1,000 gallons of vegetable oil, sugar, salt, seasoning cubes, tomato and pepper mix, as well as mosquito nets, sanitary pads, detergents, table soaps, blankets and toilet rolls.
