By: Edeniyere Abraham Osose
The Edo State Government in collaboration with the Federal Government, has delivered another round of relief materials to Gbelebu and Madoti communities in Ovia South-West Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State, as part of ongoing efforts to support victims of the communal crisis that ravaged the communities earlier this year.
According to the Executive Secretary of EdoSEMA, Hon. Jerry Idahosa, the intervention was facilitated by the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA) in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), consequent upon the devastating conflict that led to the loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of residents across several communities. He stated that the distribution is part of the administration of the Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to the welfare and security of citizens across the State.
Hon. Idahosa added that the initiative aligns with the State Government’s development agenda as enshrined in Project SHINE, which prioritises security, grassroots development, and citizens’ welfare, in accordance with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He restated how the Governor responded swiftly to the crisis by visiting the affected communities, engaging in peace dialogues, deploying security operatives, and delivering another cache of relief aimed at supporting the well-being of residents in the communities.
The Chairman of Ovia South-West LGA, Hon. Osadolor Edobor, commended the Governor’s prompt response and practical approach to governance. He described the interventions as unprecedented in the history of the LGA, where a sitting governor not only visited victims but also fulfilled his promises promptly.
The Bale of Madoti, Chief Bazuaye, appreciated the Governor, the Deputy Governor, EdoSEMA, NEMA, Political and Traditional stakeholders, who contributed to the Community’s recovery.
He stated that the Governor had fulfilled all commitments made during his visit, including the provision of ₦20 million as financial aid, a security post, and now a second phase of relief materials. According to him, these efforts reverted the displacements and further sufferings of the Community members.
A resident in Gbelebu, Mr. Jos Degbelaemi described the interventions as reassuring and timely. He praised the Governor’s sincerity and dedication to the people’s welfare, pledging continued support from the Community for the current administration. Beneficiaries received the relief packages with joy, noting that the support would help restore hope, rebuild trust in Government, and aid the gradual recovery of their livelihoods.
The items distributed included 25kg bags of rice, 25kg bags of garri, salt, tomato paste, and other essential food supplies, aimed at alleviating the hardship faced by families still recovering from the crisis.
The Edo State Government also restated its commitment to enhancing security in the affected areas, saying plans are underway to strengthen collaboration with the Military and other security agencies to prevent future incidents and maintain lasting peace. The continued interventions underscore the State Government’s focus on inclusive governance, peace-building, and long-term recovery of crisis-affected communities in the State.
