By Our Reporter
Anambra State Governor, Chukuwma Soludo has expressed government’s sympathies and support to the victims of the recent River Niger boat mishap at Mmiata Anam in Anambra West LGA of the state.
Governor Soludo, represented by the Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra West, Mr. Felix Ikechi,
presented financial assistance to the bereaved family, assured that government would take appropriate measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The governor further assured that government would not relent in entrusting policies and programmes that would enhance maritime safety, improve emergency response mechanisms, and raise awareness among the public about the importance of adhering to safety protocols while traveling on water.
Anambradaily gathered that Mr. Ikechi led a delegation of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to the condolence visit to Mmiata Anam.
The TC Chairman disclosed that the delegation had gone to Mmiata to sought firsthand insights into the aftermath of the tragic incident, what transpired, and the immediate needs of those affected.
Mr. Ikechi further disclosed that the Soludo administration would initiate policies that would center on making sure that wearing of life jackets and passengers manifests are compulsory, while traveling through the waterways.
The victims parents, Mr & Mrs Sunday Nnalue engulfed in emotions disclosed that their two sons Isreal Nnalue aged 12 and Onyeka Nnalue 10 years were coming back from holiday from their maternal village in kogi State when the incident occurred.
They thanked the Government delegation for the visit noting that it shows that the present administration of Governor Soludo has a human sympathy.
The Zonal Director, National Emergency Management Agency, Southeast region, Mrs Ngozi Echeazuo who represented the director General of NEMA and Director General State Emergency Management Agency SEMA Mr. Paul Odenigbo disclosed that they that came to ascertained the extent of loss from the people of Mmiata Anam and observed that one family was affected.
They sympathetized with the family and encouraged them not to be engulfed in sorrow, but know that it’s not the end of the world, and promised to relay the concerns raised to the government for prompt Intervention.
Comrade Matthias Emeka who is a Community Leader and kinsman of the bereaved family, eulogized Governor Soludo for showing human empathy in coming to sympathize with the family, noting that it shows that his administration cares for it citizenry.