THE RAVAGING FLOOD AND THE MARRIAGE ANNIVERSARY OF DELTA IJAW COUPLES: A GIVEAWAY TO BOBOUGBENE AND AKPAREMOGBENE 2024 FLOOD VICTIMS.

By Asiayei Enaibo

Over the years, flooding has become a life-threatening natural disaster in the coastal Ijaw communities, recurring season after season. This disaster, which strikes during the rainy season, has made life unbearable for the people, bringing pain, anguish, homelessness, starvation, massive destruction of property, and disruption of livelihood These neglected communities often have no choice but to rest their hopes in God, as government agencies too closed their eyes over the yearly predicament of the people to provide relief or create solutions to alleviate their suffering.

In the absence of intervention, residents of Bobougbene, Akparemogbene, and other neighbouring communities in the Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State endure unimaginable hardships. They contend with reptiles invading their spaces, while children and the elderly are left exposed to harsh conditions without proper shelters like IDP camps. Their prayers are their only solace, as they remain hopeful for assistance, and they comfort themselves with their canoes as the flood invade them off from the land. The flood distruction yearly made the residence from grace to grass, impoverishment, and victims of natural disasters.

Sadly, while governments exist, governance appears absent. Relief is non-existent, and the gap between the government and the people seems to narrow only during election periods. Election materials often reach these communities promptly, but relief materials rarely do. Despite the devastation caused by floods, the lack of government support has eroded the people’s confidence in public institutions. Instead, they turn to individuals and private initiatives for help.

One such individual is High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, the Chairman Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, who has consistently provided relief to flood-affected communities like Akparemogbene, Bobougbene, Eseimogbene, and Ayakoromo communities, through the Tompolo Foundation. However, through efforts like the GbaramatuVoice Food Bank, which have made major roles to these communities, have found some hope amidst despair. However, the people continue to face significant challenges, including food scarcity, contaminated living conditions, and waterborne diseases, with no access to medicine or medical care. Yes Children on their canoes unexpressed tears with deep anger of abandoned people, victims of government unconcerned humans. The agonies of Akparemogbene flood victims.

Against this backdrop, Delta Ijaw couple Mr. and Mrs. Asiayei Enaibo, the GbaramatuVoice journalist and community advocate, marked their 2024 wedding anniversary on the 19th of November by giving back to flood victims. The couple, who famously exchanged marital vows on a canoe November 3rd during the 2022 flood in Akparemogbene, distributed relief materials such as garri, rice, Indomie noodles, groundnut oil, and tubers of yam to elderly men and women in Bobougbene and Akparemogbene.

This gesture of love and empathy was not just a celebration of their marriage but also a commitment to stand with their people in difficult times. Their initiative was supported by notable individuals, including High Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, Media Director to Chief Tompolo, and Mr. Jacob Abai, CEO of GbaramatuVoice.

Although the relief items could not reach everyone, the people were deeply appreciative of the effort. The aged men and women offered prayers of blessing for the couple, recognizing them as ambassadors of hope. The children and the entire community were grateful for the couple’s dedication and generosity, praying for Woyin’s blessings to enable them to do more in the future.

The Government at all levels such as the Federal Government , Delta State Government , Local government, intervention commissions like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the National Emmergency Management Agency , must urgently intervene to support these communities. Immediate visits to affected areas like Bobougbene, Ayakoromo, Akparemogbene, and Gbekebor are necessary to assess the situation and provide much-needed relief. These communities cannot continue to endure the devastating effects of flooding without assistance to rebuild their lives, regain their livelihoods, and address health and housing challenges.

The selflessness and kindness displayed by Mr. and Mrs. Asiayei Enaibo serves as a reminder of the power of individual action in bringing hope to the hopeless. Their act of commemorating their marriage anniversary by sharing food with flood victims is a beacon of light in these trying times, and their initiative deserves to inspire greater interventions for those in need.

Asiayei Enaibo

Writes from

GbaramatuVoice