The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has donated a fire truck and humanitarian relief materials to Cross River to strengthen emergency response.
The intervention is also expected to support residents affected by recent fire outbreaks and flooding across the state.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SSDC, Ms Usoro Akpabio, made the donation on Wednesday in Calabar.
Akpabio, represented by the Executive Director, Human Capital Development and Social Services, Aganaba Steven, said the intervention would enhance emergency response.
She said the donation followed recent fire incidents in Calabar and Odukpani, as well as flooding in several communities.
Akpabio said the intervention demonstrated the commission’s commitment to addressing humanitarian and environmental challenges across the region.
She noted that flooding, erosion and other environmental challenges continued to threaten livelihoods, businesses and food security in Cross River.
She explained that the commission chose Cross River to begin the intervention because of the state’s environmental challenges.
She added that similar initiatives would be extended to Akwa Ibom and other South-South states.
Akpabio said the commission would sustain its support for disaster resilience, environmental protection, sustainable infrastructure and livelihood recovery.
Deputy Governor, Mr Peter Odey, who represented Gov. Bassey Otu at the presentation, commended the commission for fulfilling its promise.
Otu said the fire truck would improve emergency response time, while relief materials were already being distributed to flood victims.
He also praised President Bola Tinubu for establishing the commission, describing its intervention as evidence of commitment to regional development.
“Although there are other agencies with similar responsibilities, the SSDC has distinguished itself through its trailblazing response to the needs of the people,” he said.
The governor urged residents to cooperate with firefighters and other emergency responders, warning against obstructing their operations.
He condemned attacks on emergency personnel during disasters, stressing that they were deployed to save lives and protect property.
“Emergency workers are on the ground to save lives and protect property. Members of the public must support them whenever their services are required,” he said.
Also speaking, the Executive Director, Commercial and Environmental Development of SSDC, Joseph Igbeyuju, commended the commission’s leadership.
He praised the decision to prioritise Cross River as the starting point of the intervention.
Igbeyuju said the initiative would be replicated across the South-South as part of the commission’s broader regional development agenda.
Responding, the Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Efa Nyong, said the intervention followed the agency’s appeal.
Nyong explained that SEMA identified beneficiaries through on-the-spot assessments following reported fire and flood disasters.
He said the findings were subsequently forwarded to the commission for necessary intervention.
Nyong expressed confidence in the growing partnership with SSDC, noting that the state had received assurances of continued support.
He also commended Governor Otu for supporting emergency management and disaster response in the state. (NAN)
