The Enugu State Government has taken significant steps to support communities affected by recent floods by distributing 10 Power Tillers to residents of Okpanku and Ezinesi Oduma.
This initiative is part of the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) program, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and providing immediate relief to those impacted.
During the distribution ceremony, Governor Peter Mbah also provided additional agricultural supplies and food assistance to help the communities recover quickly.
He highlighted the government’s proactive approach to preventing future flooding incidents, affirming its commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of residents in Enugu State.
The event was held at the Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, where it drew attendance from ministry officials, executives of farmers’ community associations, and members of the Fadama team.
Governor Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Hon. Patrick Ubru, acknowledged the devastating impact of flooding as a natural disaster. He stated that upon hearing about the plight of the flood victims, the Governor swiftly approved an emergency response to provide aid.
Preliminary investigations into the flooding revealed that various factors contributed to the disaster. In Okpanku, the overflow of river banks, unable to handle the volume of heavy rainfall, was the primary cause.
In contrast, the flooding in Ezinesi Oduma was largely due to inadequately designed low bridges that could not withstand the heavy downpours.
Hon. Ubru emphasized the government’s dedication to supporting farmers and enhancing food security. He described Governor Mbah as the “Chief Farmer” of Enugu State, reflecting his passion for agriculture and commitment to the well-being of farmers. “This intervention is part of our efforts to mitigate the impact of the flood disaster on our farmers,” Ubru stated.
He stressed the importance of agriculture in the state’s economy and pledged continued support for farmers to ensure food security and economic growth.
Mr. Geoffrey Eze, the State Project Coordinator of Fadama, explained that the Power Tillers are expected to significantly improve agricultural productivity, reduce the manual labor associated with farming, and alleviate the suffering of affected farmers.
“Each Power Tiller will benefit 40 farmers, bringing the total to 400 farmers across Okpanku and Ezinesi Oduma,” he noted.
Permanent Secretary Mr. Victor Ngwu urged beneficiaries to use the Power Tillers effectively, as the ultimate goal is to recover from the flood’s devastating effects. This recovery will help align with the state government’s vision for increased productivity and food security.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Hon. Godfrey Kamah, President General of Ezinesi Oduma and Chairman of the Ngeneanwanta Ezinesi Oduma 1 Farmers Community Association, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the timely intervention.
“This support will greatly ease our farming activities and alleviate our suffering. We thank Governor Mbah for this assistance,” he said. Overall, the initiative marks a critical step toward recovery and resilience for the affected communities in Enugu State.
