Abuja, 8th April 2024
In the wake of a devastating fire that swept through a community on the outskirts of Abuja City Centre, leaving many persons with disabilities displaced and in dire need, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) sprung into action today, distributing vital relief items to provide much-needed succor to the affected individuals.
Led by the steadfast Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the relief distribution initiative was inaugurated in Abuja, underscoring the agency’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of vulnerable populations, particularly those with disabilities, during times of crisis and disaster response efforts.
Mrs. Umar emphasized that the provision of relief items by NEMA was in response to a heartfelt plea from the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD) following the tragic fire incident at Karmojiji. This calamity not only engulfed their homes but also inflicted severe hardships upon them, stripping away their livelihoods and leaving them in dire circumstances.
Expressing sympathy for those affected by the fire, Mrs. Umar extended gratitude to all stakeholders who collaborated to provide much-needed support to the impacted individuals, ensuring they receive the assistance they desperately require.
Dr. David Lalu, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, echoed Mrs. Umar’s sentiments, extending heartfelt appreciation to NEMA for promptly coming to the aid of the fire victims by distributing essential relief items. Dr. Lalu emphasized the critical importance of such interventions in alleviating the suffering of those affected by disasters, particularly vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities.
The distributed relief items encompassed a range of essential supplies including bags of rice, foam mattresses, clothing for children, women, and men, blankets, plastic buckets, as well as plates, cups, and spoons, providing a lifeline to those grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy.
Grateful beneficiaries expressed their appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NEMA, NCPWD, and the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agencies for their swift response and provision of relief items. However, they voiced a plea for continued support to empower them to rebuild their lives and regain self-sufficiency in the face of adversity.
As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the fire tragedy, the outpouring of support from NEMA and other stakeholders serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the power of collective action in times of adversity. The distribution of relief items represents a crucial step towards providing much-needed relief and restoring hope to those affected by the calamity.
