More than 450 residents displaced by recent floods and rainstorms in Itu and Ibiono Ibom Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State have received emergency relief materials facilitated by the Member Representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Bassey Okon.
The relief materials, sourced through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), were distributed across affected communities including Okopedi, Oku Iboku, Ayadehe, and Mbiabo. The items comprised food supplies such as rice, garri, salt, tomato paste, pasta, vegetable oil, and other essential household needs.
Represented by the Director General of the Itu/Ibiono Ibom Unity Project Advisory Committee, Comrade Godwin Mbeke, Rep. Okon commiserated with the victims and pledged continuous support to help them recover from the disaster’s impact.
> “I know how much many of you have lost, and no relief can truly replace that pain,” he said. “But please know this comes from a place of deep care and concern. We will continue to stand with you and do more to rebuild your lives.”
He also appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, while reaffirming his support for the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno, whom he praised for their efforts in improving the welfare of citizens.
The distribution exercise in Itu was flagged off at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Itu, HRM Edidem Edet Akpan Inyang, who described Rep. Okon’s response as “swift and exemplary.” The monarch commended the lawmaker’s proactive leadership, noting that his timely action “restored hope to many affected households.”
In Ibiono Ibom, the event held at Presbyterian Secondary School, Use Ikot Oku, drew a large crowd of community leaders, stakeholders, and beneficiaries.
Elder Obong Usungurua, Village Head of Use Ikot Oku Group of Villages, expressed appreciation on behalf of the beneficiaries, describing the gesture as “a timely and humane intervention” that would significantly ease their hardship.
Dr. Victor Akpakpan, NEMA’s Head of Relief and Rehabilitation, lauded Rep. Okon for his quick engagement with the agency, which, he said, ensured a speedy assessment and delivery of relief items.
The Leader of Ibiono Ibom Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Idorenyin Umoren, also hailed the lawmaker for his “effective and people-oriented representation,” urging constituents to continue supporting him and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.
Several beneficiaries, including Chief Ita Jacob Umo and Mrs. Alice Ukeme Anyanga, expressed gratitude, describing the assistance as a “lifeline that came when hope seemed lost.” Others praised Rep. Okon’s compassion, saying his gesture reflected “true leadership rooted in empathy.”
The distribution exercise was witnessed by Mr. Tony Patrick, Hon. Patrick Udoh, Mr. Mfon Ekpenyong, and other members of the delegation who supervised the process across the affected communities.
