RSG Extends Relief Materials, Health Insurance To ONELGA

Rivers State Government has extended its flood relief interventions with free health insurance to Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of the State.

Rivers State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the 2026 Flood Prevention and Management Committee, Prof. Ngozi Odu, said the State Government decided to combine the two interventions to cushion the impact of flooding on affected communities in the two local government areas.

Speaking during the distribution of relief materials to persons affected by flooding in Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, on Tuesday, the deputy governor noted that the area has suffered severe flooding, particularly when rising river levels caused by dam releases overflow their banks.

She explained that while some parts of the State experience flash or urban flooding caused largely by heavy rainfall and blocked drainage channels, communities in ONELGA face a different situation because of their proximity to Rivers.

Odu said the intervention has two major components: relief materials and healthcare, through which affected residents would receive food and non-food items as well as access to healthcare services.

According to her, the health component will provide beneficiaries with access to designated health centres, while cases requiring specialised treatment will be referred to higher-level hospitals at no cost to the beneficiaries.

The deputy governor noted that the State Government had continued to settle medical bills, including those arising from Caesarean sections and major surgeries, while also providing treatment for common ailments such as malaria.

Odu expressed gratitude to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for approving the intervention, stressing that the health insurance component would continue beyond the flood season.

She said the relief materials, to be transported in two trucks, one carrying food items and the other non-food items, would be stored for distribution to affected communities.

The deputy governor said the intervention would cover Omoku, Egbema, Usomini and Iburu, while separate assistance had also been sent to affected communities in the Ndoni axis and areas identified by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

She assured the people of ONELGA that the State Government would continue to give special attention to communities severely affected by flooding.

In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr. Vetty Agala, said the initiative was part of Governor Fubara’s efforts to cushion the effects of flooding on affected communities.

She said flooding had destroyed farmlands, homes and sources of livelihood, leaving many residents vulnerable to hunger and health challenges.

Agala explained that beyond the distribution of food, mattresses and other relief materials, the Government had introduced health insurance to enable flood victims to access healthcare without paying out of pocket.

She urged beneficiaries to take advantage of the intervention.

Welcoming the Flood Prevention and Management Committee, the Vice Chairman of the Council, Hon. Happiness Wokocha, commended Governor Fubara for prioritising the interests and welfare of the people.

According to her, the event demonstrated the governor’s commitment to bringing people together and addressing issues of importance to them.

In his address, the Oba (Eze-Ogba) of Ogbaland, His Eminence, Barr. (Dr.) Nwachukwu Obuoha Nnam-Obi III, represented by the Traditional Prime Minister, HRH Eze Louis Chukwudi Ajie, commended the governor for responding to the plight of persons affected by flooding and providing relief to affected communities.

He described the intervention as a responsive government’s effort to “clear the tears” of residents affected by flooding, noting that the gesture demonstrated the government’s concern for the people.