Bayelsa flood victims in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area have received Federal Government support following the devastating 2025 floods, with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) distributing essential relief materials to affected communities in the area.The intervention, carried out by NEMA, followed a formal appeal by Hon. Engr. Rodney Ambaiowei, Member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. The relief exercise is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to cushion the impact of natural disasters and support recovery among displaced residents.Items distributed to the flood victims included bags of rice, garri, spaghetti, vegetable oil, iodised salt and other basic food supplies. The materials were delivered to help address immediate food shortages and reduce hardship among families affected by the flooding.
Hon. Ambaiowei said the Bayelsa flood relief intervention was aimed at providing urgent assistance to vulnerable households while supporting community recovery efforts. He noted that many residents lost property and livelihoods as a result of the floods, making timely support critical.Speaking to journalists at the NEMA Operations Office in Port Harcourt, the lawmaker expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for approving the intervention. He also commended Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for his collaboration and concern for affected communities.
According to Ambaiowei, the relief distribution was a direct response to his sustained engagement with relevant authorities following the disaster. He recalled that he had earlier raised a motion in the House of Representatives on environmental and humanitarian challenges in his constituency, including an oil spill incident in Olugboboro community.
He explained that further appeals to NEMA on the flood situation in Southern Ijaw prompted swift action, resulting in the timely delivery of relief materials to affected residents. He described the response as encouraging and reassuring for communities facing the aftermath of the disaster.“ The intervention will go a long way in easing the suffering of our people and restoring hope at a very difficult time,” Ambaiowei said. “It shows that the Federal Government is responsive to the needs of communities affected by natural disasters.” He also praised NEMA officials for their professionalism and prompt coordination, noting that efficient disaster response is essential for preventing further humanitarian challenges. Residents of the affected Bayelsa communities expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, NEMA and their representative for the support. They said the relief materials had provided much-needed assistance and helped stabilise households struggling with food insecurity after the floods.
Community members also commended Hon. Ambaiowei for what they described as consistent advocacy on their behalf. They noted that his engagement with federal authorities demonstrated effective representation and commitment to the welfare of constituents.The beneficiaries added that the Federal Government’s intervention has strengthened community resilience and renewed confidence as families begin the process of rebuilding homes and livelihoods disrupted by the floods. NEMA has reiterated its commitment to supporting disaster-affected communities across the country, while encouraging state and local authorities to strengthen early warning systems and disaster preparedness to mitigate future flood risks.
