Red Cross aids Edo flood victims with N38m

By Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin

The Nigerian Red Cross Society, backed by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Society, has given N38 million to Edo communities hit by floods. This aid aims to soften the blow for residents.

The money goes to Ikpe in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area and Ogbesse in Ovia North East Local Government Area, both in Edo State.

Mr Wilson Ekhomogiazin, Branch Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross Society in Edo State, spoke to journalists during the payout in Ikpe Community. He said the N38 million is split among 500 people from both areas. Each person gets N77,000. “If that money is ploughed into their businesses, it will help improve their standard of living,” he added.

Ekhomogiazin explained that the Red Cross visited both communities in 2024. They saw the flood damage and knew help was needed. Now, that support has arrived. The funds target the most vulnerable—elders, disabled people, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. He said this is one way the Red Cross lifts up Nigeria’s poorest.

He also noted past efforts. “In October 2024, we implemented what we call the simplified early warning protocol,” he said. “The essence of that simplified early warning protocol was to provide some sort of capacity for communities that are prone to flood disaster, and we provided support to 1000 households.”

Last year, they helped 1,000 more across Edo communities with warnings and aid.

Nwaoha Charity, Disaster Management Officer (Migration) from Abuja, praised the selection process. She said it was fair and free of tampering. The chosen beneficiaries met clear standards. She urged them to join the Red Cross and help others too.

Mr Sylvester Okeoguale, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Edo State’s Ministry of Women Affairs, also spoke. He thanked the Red Cross for aiding the needy. He told beneficiaries to use the money wisely, as such help is rare these days.

Mr Christopher Victor, Ikpe Community chairman, spoke for the recipients. He thanked the donors and promised the funds would be used well.