The Ika Relief Management Committee set up in conjunction with the Ika National Association, United States of America and inaugurated by the publisher of Ika Weekly, Mr. Steve Ekiri-Mekiruwa Ashien, on the 19th November, 2010, to assist the welfare needs of the families affected by the water tank disaster at the Primary arm of Staff Model, College of Education, Agbor, on Monday, 6th December, 2010, at Ika Weekly office, Agbor disbursed money amounting to four hundred and ten thousand naira (100,000,00) to victims families.
The money which was donated by Ika sons and daughters both at home and in the U.S, with those in the U.S contributing about 95%, was disbursed in three categories: One, those that lost their lives in the incident, two, those that are still undergoing treatment or hospitalized either in Central Hospital or University of Benin Teaching Hospital and three, those that have been discharged from the hospital and are recuperating at home.
Speaking before the disbursement, the IRMC, chairman, and Bishop, Church of God Mission, Anioma Bishopric, Festus Udume said that the College of Education water tank disaster was a big shock to every Ika person both at home and abroad, as that has formed the reason why Ika sons and daughters in U.S.A in their reaction, promptly requested that a relief committee be set up back at home to help assist victims families.
Nobody prays for a bad thing to happen but if does, we give thanks to God and forge ahead, for that is not the end of life. Although, we greatly regret with a sorrowful heart the death of our innocent children, bereaved family members should put what has happened behind them and move on with life for the interest of our children who are still alive," Bishop Udume stated. While thanking members of Ika National Association in the United States for their prompt intervention and also affected families for their cooperation, he prayed that such disaster will never happen again in Ika land, just as he wished all the injured pupils speedy recovery.
The provost of the College of Educaition, Agbor, Dr. Duke Okobia, who witnessed the disbursement, expressed appreciation for the magnanimity of Ika sons and daughters, particularly those in the US and also IRMC members, for their concern and love, praying that Almighty will continue to bless them, and at the same replenish their purses.
Thanking the donors, parents of the affected pupils, Mr. Francis Uyamasi, Mr. Okolie Austin and Mr. Ibeh who spoke on behalf of others said government should always do things rightly so as to avert any future disaster, of that magnitude adding that the enquiry committee set up by the Delta State government to investigate the issue should make sure those involved it are brought to book.
Meanwhile the sum of thirty thousand naira each (N30,000) was given to the families of the five dead pupils and twenty thousand naira (20,000) each, to the ten families whose children sustained severe injuries, and are still receiving treatment at Central Hospital, Agbor and UBTH, while ten thousand naira (N10,000) each, was given out to four pupils who had lesser injuries.
Present at the brief meeting were: Bishop Festus Udume, Chief Henrietta Ajuebon Egbarim, JP+, Chief Nwaebo, Dr. I.S Ehijene, Mr. Ewere Eluebo Ewere, Mr. Jonathan Onwuka, Editor Ika Weekly Dr. Duke Okobia Provost College of Education, Mr. A. O. Ajabor, Mr. J.K. Aigbogun, PRO, College of Education Agbor and some parents of the affected pupils.
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