Flooding: Red Cross Commences N91.5m Electronic Cash Transfer In Anambra State

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has commenced electronic cash disbursement of N91.5M and other relief items to 1,500 victims of the 2023 flood disaster in three most affected local government areas in Anambra State.

500 beneficiaries were selected from three communities in each of the three local government areas of Ogbaru, Anambra East and Anambra West.

The Communities include, Ossamala, Obeagwe and Akili Ogidi in Ogbaru LGA,Enugu Otu,Eziagulu Otu and Mkpunando,Anambra East,Umueze Anam,Iyiora Anam and Mmiata Anam, Anambra West.

Flagging off the cash disbursement program via Customised ATM Cards to the beneficiaries in Umueze Anam, Anambra East Local Government Area, the newly elected State Chairman of Nigerian Red Cross,Prof Charity Emelie, said N61,000 cash had already been transferred to each captured household.

She added that the cash transfer and other  materials including Jerry Cans and Water Purifier Tablets would bring financial relief to be flood victims.

Commenting, the State Branch Secretary, Engr Kingsley okoye, noted that they had renovated some houses and bore holes in each of the nine communities, assuring that the items would be evenly distributed to the beneficiaries.

Engr. Okoye, who said that the intervention supported by United States Aid (USAID) is expected to drive a sustainable socio-economic resilience of the beneficiaries,added that the exercise was based on the assessments conducted by the bodies during the flooding period.

While describing the programme as non political and non partisan,he stated the intervention was specifically for people affected by the 2023 flood disaster.

Earlier, the State Chairman, Prof. Emelie, had embarked on facility tour for on the spot assessment and inventory of structures and items in various offices as well as Children’s Homes being managed by the Society.

She,then,assured to reposition the body to make it more responsive to its mandate,urging the staff members to show more commitment and dedication to their duties for effective service delivery.

Some of the beneficiaries including Chief Emeka Okonkwo,Mrs Celina Chigbata, Michael Aniekwe and Mrs Anthonia Ugorji commended the Nigerian Red Cross Society for the gesture which they said would impact on their lives.

The State Chairman was accompanied on the visit by the State Vice Chairman, Prince Chika Ezedigbo,Sister Dr. Chrysantus Onwurah,State Health and Care Advicer,Engr Kingsley Okoye, Branch Secretary and Charles Ilozor, Disaster Management Advicer.

Olusola Akintonde