The Senator representing Bayelsa West in the National Assembly, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has made donations running into millions of Naira to alleviate the plight of flood victims in Bayelsa State.
The Senator announced a donation of N400,000 Naira to each of the ward in the Sagbama Ekeremor Senatorial District on Wednesday in Abuja
Dickson, a former two-term Governor of the state also announced a donation of N5 million to those affected by the flood in Yenagoa, the state capital.
He stated further that his friends under the aegis of ‘Friends of Senator Dickson’ are also putting donations together to the account of Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation to reach out those affected by the ravaging flood.
He added that the donations are in addition to discreet efforts being made to ensure that the harsh effect of the flood on the people are reduced.
He stressed that the funds would be distributed to the people of the area irrespective of political affiliations.
The former Governor added that he had earlier dispatched some items to the state which are still in transit and are expected in the state.
Dickson who repeated his call on the Federal Governor to go into urgent collaborative action with the states on the debilitating effects of the flood said that the time has come for the Federal Government to proffer lasting solution to the flood menace.
He said, “As governor of our state for eight years and as one who managed devastating floods and natural disasters within that period, I am distressed by the images, videos and reports emanating from our communities in Bayelsa state.
“I have an idea of the magnitude of damage and devastation this has caused and the toll it has on families and livelihoods. I also understand the limits to what the government or any one person can do.
“I have since, like any other leader, been inundated with the cries of our people which are genuine. Irrespective of what we have been doing silently, I announce formally, a donation that will be made available through my foundation, the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation, the sum of N400,000.00 Per ward in Bayelsa West Senatorial District and additional Five Million Naira (N5,000,000.00) for displaced residents in Yenagoa City, the state capital.
“This will be managed under the supervision of our respected Elders, Chief T. K. O. Okorotie and supported by Hon. Fyneman Wilson who will serve as the coordinators, with selected elders, women and youths in the senatorial district and will be disbursed in an apolitical manner. I, therefore, call for cooperation and understanding.
“This is my little way of adding to whatever support the government and well-meaning individuals and organizations have been doing.
“Last week after receiving the reports and speaking with the governor, I made calls and had meetings with relevant authorities who have since dispatched some support which sadly is still stuck in transit.
“The above donation by my foundation is a simple token of my care, especially when compared to the magnitude of the devastation, destruction, inconveniences and suffering occasioned by the flood that has affected every person, family and community in the state.
“The funds will be managed dispassionately no matter how little, irrespective of the political divide, so I call for understanding as no amount of monetary support can be sufficient at this trying time.
“We only pray and hope that the flood recedes soon and that all concerned, the Federal Government, State Government and residents all learn to be better prepared next time.
“Lastly, I repeat my earlier call for the Federal Government and its agencies to robustly collaborate with the government of Bayelsa State.
“It is time for the Federal Government to take measures In stopping the perennial flooding in Nigeria caused by the activities or operations of Dams in neighbouring countries. This should be treated as a matter of national security.
“Once again, my condolences to all those who lost loved ones, this is sad and I want you to always know that I care.”