An Uwheru born Canada based philanthropist, physician and politician, Olorogun (Dr) Mrs Rukevwe Ugwumba has commiserated with victims of last Thursday, January 27th, 2022 fuel tanker inferno at Ohoror-Uwheru, in Ughelli North local government area of Delta State, South South Nigeria.
Dr Ugwumba an Associate Professor of Medicine and Family Health and President, Jesu-Marie Empowerment Foundation, JMEF, described the sad incident as devastating and called for concerted efforts towards ameliorating the suffering caused the people by the unfortunate situation.
Speaking when she accompanied some leaders of Uwheru political class to inspect the level of damage done the people by the fuel tanker inferno, and donate some relief materials, Dr Ugwumba commended concerns shown so far by some critical stakeholders over the ugly development.
“You would have read or heard of the devastating Fuel Tanker accident that occurred in Ohoror-Uwheru in the early hours of Thursday, January 27th, 2022. About 17 houses were razed down by the inferno. Governor Ifeanyi Okowa had visited for on-the-spot assessment on the extent of damages. Thanks to our Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Patrick Muoboghare.
Other sympathizers had been visiting and condoling our people. They say charity begins at home. So Prof Muoboghare, Hon Egoh and myself reasoned that we can jointly provide some succor to our people before any other help will come if ever it will come”.
Dr Ugwumba, a one time Special Adviser on Health Matters to former governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, disclosed that the leadership of APC in the local government area, under the leadership of Olorogun Simeon Owhofa whose wife is from Uwheru were also proactive and have raised a tidy sum to support the victims.
“The current Commissioner for Finance Lagos State, Hon Sam Egube who is from Uwheru, my humble self, Olorogun (Dr) Mrs Rukevwe Ugwumba and others have responded very generously to help rebuild our community.
As the Founder/President of Jesu-Marie Empowerment Foundation, steps were also being taken to bring in some succor, via the foundation as charity must begin from Uwheru the birthplace of my fore-fathers”, she said.
“Our leader, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege sent words through me to the people of Uwheru community to sympathize with them over the unfortunate incident and has promised to contribute to the rebuilding of the community. He has promised to intervene in water schemes, schools rehabilitation, solar street lights and replacement of outdated transformers amongst others, for which we are very grateful”.
“Today we make donations of relief materials and cash to help the surviving victims of the unfortunate incident. We planned to raise up to 20million Naira to assist the victims. We are still appealing to government and all well meaning individuals and corporate bodies to donate generously to this cause.
We did it before during 2012 and 2020 flood disasters. We can do it again and even better. The victims needs are huge, including food, clothes and new homes. We are not discouraged. God will see us through”, Dr Ugwumba emphasized.
She urged the people to remain calm, prayerful, law abiding and ensure good use of donated items, promising to continue to mobilize support towards ensuring quality lives in the community.