Flooding: Senator Dickson Donate 400K To Wards In Bayelsa West, Plus 5M To IDP Camps In Yenagoa

The Former Governor of Bayelsa State and Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Henry Seriake Dickson, through his foundation (Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation) has donated the sum of Four Hundred Thousand Naira (N400,000.00) to every Ward in Bayelsa West Senatorial District, and additional Five Million Naira (N5,000,000.00) to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps in Yenagoa the state capital.

The information was made known in a statement sent to newsmen of hotnews in Yenagoa the state capital, and it reads in parts:

As Governor of our dear State for eight years, and as one who managed devastating perennial flooding 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 person can do individually.

I have since, like any other leader been inundated with the cries of our people which are genuine, irrespective of what we have being doing silently. I hereby announce formally a donation that will be made available through my foundation, the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation, the sum of Four Hundred Thousand Naira (N400,000.00) Per Ward in Bayelsa West Senatorial District, and additional Five Million Naira (N5,000,000.00) for displaced residents in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The donated funds 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 Coordinators, with other selected elders, women and youth bodies in the senatorial district, which will be disbursed in an apolitical manner. I, therefore, call for cooperation and understanding of all.

This is my little way of adding to whatever support the government and well-meaning individuals and organizations have been done and still 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 of relief materials which sadly is still stuck in transit at the moment.

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 all concerned organizations, the Federal Government, State Government and Residents will learn to be better prepared for any flooding occurrence.

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.