Bayelsa Donates N15m To Church C’ttee On Flood

The Bayelsa State Government has donated the sum of N15
million to the Flood Outreach Committee put together by churches in the state
to mitigate the impact of the flood disaster.

Governor Dickson announced the donation while interacting
with Christian leaders in the state at the Greater Evangelism World Crusade
Church, Opolo in Yenagoa.

The Governor expressed delight at the support and concern
churches have shown so far, adding that the donation was aimed at enabling the
committee to complement the effort of the state emergency responds committee to
ameliorate the suffering of the flood victims.

Hon. Dickson commended the Special Assistant on Religious
Affairs, Rev. Samuel John-Peters for his thoughtfulness in convening the
meeting at a time when government needed the support and prayers of the church
most, describing the donation as a practical demonstration of his administration’s
readiness to sustain the existing government-church collaboration to the
service of humanity,

The governor assured that government would ensure the prompt
release of the funds, asked the Special Assistant on Religious Affairs to
liaise with him (Governor). He promised to direct the Commissioner for Finance
to expedite the release of the funds with a view to enabling the committee to
procure relief materials such as food, drugs and other essentials.

Acknowledging the ability of Christian leaders to reach out
to people, he urged the committee to independently distribute the relief
materials they would procure to the victims, while  mobilising their members who have the
requisite skills.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious
Affairs, Reverend Samuel John-Peters had explained that the meeting was
convened for Christian leaders to seek God’s intervention as well as discuss
further pragmatic steps to address the flood menace.

Assuring the governor of their continued support and
prayers, Reverend John-Peters disclosed that the churches have donated 250 bags
of rice, 50 blankets and cash to various relief camps in the state.