…As NIMASA berths North, donating food, relief materials to IDPs in Niger***

Two maritime Government parastatals are presently, seemingly in holy competition to feed unlucky Nigerians, as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) sails South, donating food and other relief materials to Bakassi refugees, while the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is being hailed in Niger State for same reason, up North!

The NPA on Sunday donated food items to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Akpabuyo Camp, Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River.

Recall that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) at the weekend saw Dr. Dakuku Peterside, ably represented by Hajia Lami Tumaka donating quantum of relief materials to the Niger State Government, for judicious use of Internally Displaced Persons  (IDPs) in the State.

Also Read: NIMASA takes relief materials to flood victims in Niger State

The Calabar Port Manager, Mrs Olufumilayo Olotu, made the donation on behalf of the Managing Director of NPA, Ms Hadiza Bala Usman.

Presenting the items, Olotu said it was part of NPA’s community relations and social responsibilities to the host communities.

The items donated were rice, beans, garri, tubers yam, Indomie noodles, eggs, toiletries, diapers, detergent, tissues, salt and sachet water, worth over N800,000.

She said that the NPA was moved by the dilapidated living condition of the Bakassi returnees in the camp and felt there was the need to extend a hand of fellowship to them.

“When we came here last time, we saw the terrible condition in which they existed and the management felt there was need to help in our own little way.

“Nothing is too much and nothing is too small. It is our own way of encouraging them and identifying with their deplorable conditions.

“This is also part of our social responsibility and community relations with NPA host communities.

“We have renovated schools and hospitals and rendered social services in various parts of Calabar and we will continue to do more in this regard, ‘’ Olotu said.

She gave the assurance that the gesture would go round other camps in Bakassi Local Government Area.

Responding on behalf of the IDPs, the Chairman of the camp, Mr Okon Effiong, appreciated the NPA management for the gesture.

“We thank you so much for your support and for fulfilling your promise made last year when you visited us.

You have proved to us that you care and we are grateful, ‘’ he said.