In line with the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), relief materials have been donated to some Internal Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across some affected states in Nigeria, while the Director General of the Agency, Dr Dakuku Peterside, used the opportunity to call for more support from well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations.

The NIMASA DG, who was speaking at one of the IDP camps in Abuja, noted that people at the IDP camps across the country are an integral part of Nigeria; hence they should not be neglected nor discriminated.

“We must share in the grief of our fellow citizens, as no one wishes to find his or her self in any camp, knowing fully well that the comfort there is minimal. Let me also assure you that in no distant time from now, you will all return to your abodes as the Federal Government is committed to ensuring that your safety is paramount. For us in NIMASA, we are not just concerned about the well-being of the maritime sector, but as a corporate socially responsible Agency, we are concerned about your welfare; this is why we are here to support you the best way we can,” Dr Peterside said.

The DG who was represented in the camp by the Agency’s Director, Special Duties in charge of External Relations and Technical Cooperation, Hajia Lami Tumaka noted that the Agency will continue to support all initiatives by the Federal Government to ensure their welfare and safety is guaranteed.

Similarly, the Agency’s Director of Internal Audit, Mr Victor Onuzuruike represented the Agency at the Gubio IDP Camp in Maiduguri, Borno State to present items to them.

While presenting the items, he noted that NIMASA as a responsible Agency will continue to work with relevant institutions in the country to provide relief to all Nigerians experiencing one disaster or another.

“As a sign of love and in recognition of the need to continuously offer succour to alleviate the challenges and the sufferings of our internally displaced brothers and sisters spread across Nigeria, NIMASA brings you glad tidings. We have come not with a heavy heart, but with a message of love and assurance, he said”.

At the camp in the Odiereke-Ubie community of Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State and Bakassi area of Cross River State, the Head, Corporate Communications of the Agency, Mr. Isichei Osamgbi who also represented the Agency stated that NIMASA will not relent on its efforts to complement the efforts of the Federal Government in ensuring that the IDP’s across the country are well catered for.

In his words, “we understand your circumstances, we feel your pains, we know your needs; therefore, we as an Agency of government will continue to extend our hands of fellowship to support you. We share in the pains you are passing through, hence these efforts which are aimed at reducing such pains. We are indeed touched by your situation and it is in the spirit of love that we make this donation. We hope that the gesture is taken in the spirit in which it is given”.

Receiving the materials in the various States, Local Governments and Communities visited, the representatives of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and some of the local Chiefs in the visited areas were on ground to receive the items that were bought by the Agency. They unanimously expressed gratitude to the Agency and noted that the materials donated will be used appropriately.

Some of the States the Agency visited includes; Adamawa, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Edo, Lagos, Niger, Rivers, Yobe and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

It may be recalled that aside from the regulatory and promotional functions of NIMASA, the Agency has always been at the forefront of promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the country as demonstrated severally in various parts of the country. The Agency has rendered assistance to victims affected by insurgency and flood amongst others.

•Photo shows NIMASA Head, Public Relations, Mr Isichei Osamgbi, presenting relief materials to the Coordinator, at the Bakassi IDP Resettlement Camp in Cross River State.

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