Group distributes rice seeds to flood victims in Kogi state

A socio-cultural group, Ibaji Unity Forum (IUF), has distributed nine tonnes of certified rice seeds to 1,800 victims of the 2022 flood disaster in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi state.

The National President of IUF, Mr Stephen Uchola, said the gesture was in fulfilment of the forum’s mandate of alleviating the sufferings of the farmers, occasioned by the 2022 flood distaster.

Uchola, who was represented by the IUF Public Relations Officer, Mr Orjoh Mathias, said that the items would be distributed to 1,800 Ibaji indigenes.

According to him, the nine tonnes (9000kg) of Faro 44 rice seeds, with three months maturity, was worth N8.1 million.

The initiative is part of IUF’s post-flood relief programmes, aimed at cushioning the effects of the flood disaster that ravaged and submerged the entire council area last year.

Uchola said, “The effects flooding was devastating, however, that not much had been done by governments at all levels to help the citizens.

“In spite all the efforts to showcase the prevalent effects of this natural disaster to the world, government has left the citizens of Ibaji to their fate.

“IUF, in its own wisdom and as part of its aims and objectives, cried out to the public for assistance and the result is what people are witnessing today.”

He appreciated the donors for their faith in IUF and for committing their resources to the course of alleviating the sufferings of Ibaji citizens.

He also urged the beneficiaries to effectively utilise the rice seeds for maximum yields, for their own benefits and those of their families, the state and the country at large.

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