PEACE FUND FOR VICTIMS OF INSECURITY TO COMMENCE DISTRIBUTION OF CASH AND RELIEF MATERIALS TO RECIPIENTS

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia .

The Peace Fund for victims of insecurity will commence distribution of cash sums to families of slain security operatives in Abia state and other states in the south east region of Nigeria.

The committee had gone round the states identifying and taking information of supposed beneficiaries to pave way for smooth delivery of the relief materials.

Part of the assignments of the seven man committee as elucidated by the deputy speaker of the house of representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu during the inauguration of the committee include to source for financial assistance from corporate bodies and good spirited individuals with the wherewithal.

Abia and Imo states will be used for the pilot programme of cash and relief materials distribution.

Mr. Sam Hart in a press statement said part of the mandate of the committee is to extend the magnanimity to other parts of the country.

Full text of the press release is below.

PRESS RELEASE

The Peace Fund for victims of insecurity in Nigeria is set to commence the distribution of cash and relief materials to recipients in the South East Region.

The Committee, upon inauguration, had set about profiling would-be recipients and making necessary arrangements prior to commencement of its operations. The arrangements included interfacing with the security high-command to get their support and buy-in as well as getting necessary records from the Commands in each State of its operation.Having concluded its preliminary documentation, the Fund is set to commence distribution of relief to identified victims.In its inaugural outing, the Fund will be providing cash and relief materials to families of slain security officials in Abia and Imo States after which it will proceed to Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States. The activities of the Fund is expected to extend to other parts of the Country which have been ravaged by insecurity.

It will be recalled that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CON, had in June this year, inaugurated a seven-man Peace Fund Committee to help raise financial assistance for the victims of insecurity in the South-east region and Nigeria as a whole. Kalu had kick-started the activities of the Fund by donating N10 million during his condolence visit to the families of soldiers who were killed in action at the 144 Battalion Headquarters in Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State. He thereafter inaugurated a Committee to oversee the Fund and expand the window of beneficiaries.

The Membership of the Fund include Chief Daniel Akwari as the Chairman and Mrs. Mary Ikoku as the Secretary. Also, a former Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Martins Azubuike, is to serve as the Treasurer, while Sam Ifeanyi Hart, mni would serve as the Publicity Secretary. Other members of the Committee include a former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu; the Member representing Bogoro/Das/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Jaafaru Leko, as well as the Member representing Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza Federal Constituency of Kebbi State, Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed. Kalu further charged the committee to ensure that accurate demographic data of the affected families was gathered, adding that they also have his mandate to reach out to spirited individuals, corporate organisations and agencies in the society to appeal for their support to the Fund. He said: “Remembering the widows and family members of our fallen heroes in the security forces will make them proud that their husbands did not labour in vain and motivate those still serving to give their all on their job. “Your mandate also extends to communities that have been ravaged by insecurity to provide succour to them and restore their hope. You are the kick-starters of the project. Your committee will soon be expanded to accommodate other interests and critical stakeholders. “You are starting from the South-east but your mandate will extend beyond the region in due course. Ensure you work with data and remain above board at all times. I have no doubt that with the calibre of people on the committee, you will meet our expectations.”Well-meaning Nigerians have since generously donated to the Fund in support of the objective and the Committee has begun disbursements.

Sam Hart, mni

Publicity Secretary

Peace Fund for Victims of Insecurity