Residents of the Soku community have commended the representative of Rivers State on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Governing Board, Chief Tony Okocha for the timely intervention of the Commission during the cholera outbreak.
Recall that Okocha alongside other dignitaries paid a visit to the Soku community for an on-site assessment of the ongoing NDDC rapid response free medical intervention.
The entire Soku community, including chiefs, the CDC, women, youths, students, and children, gathered to welcome the officials for playing a crucial role in rescuing them from the devastating cholera epidemic that almost wiped out the community.
When the state rep’s entourage paid a courtesy call on the ruler of the Soku community, Chief Omubo Omoni Alasia, who is also the Chairman of the Soku Council of Chiefs, he expressed his reservation over the attitude of the Rivers state commissioner for health’s insensitivity towards the community’s plight.
Alasia revealed that he, three of his children, and several others were recent victims of the cholera outbreak and are still recovering.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd at the Soku town hall, Okocha emphasised that the NDDC is not under the authority of the Rivers state government; therefore, it does not require permission from the commissioner of health to respond to emergencies and save lives in the Soku community.
He acknowledged the SOS messages he received from the community and reported the situation to the NDDC Governing Board, who swiftly approved the intervention.
Okocha expressed his gratitude to the Chairman of the NDDC Board, Barrister Chiedu Ebie, the MD/CEO, Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and other distinguished members of the 7th Governing Board of the NDDC for prioritising the welfare and well-being of the people of the Niger Delta.
He reassured the people of the Soku community that the NDDC would make every effort to alleviate their hardships by providing necessities such as solar-powered drinking water, modern toilet facilities, solar streetlights, food, and other relief materials.
Similarly, in further expression of gratitude, the community later sent a letter to the NDDC state Rep, Okocha.
The letter which was signed by the community development Chairman and Secretary, Keodiye Dokubo and Diepriye Amachree respectively.
They specially thanked the NDDC for quick response and intervention, and prayed to God to bless the state Rep, Chairman of the Board, MD and other members of the board for coming to their aid.
Hon. Lolo Isaiah Opuende, the member representing Akuku-Toru Constituency II, was represented by his personal assistant, Mr. Ibibo Dimabo.