Okuama IDP camp seeks more support as seven babies born

The management committee for the Okuama community Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, has announced the safe delivery of seven babies by the camp’s medical team since its establishment in May, this year.

Chairman of the IDP Camp management committee, Mr Abraham Ogbodo, while disclosing this to journalists on Tuesday, praised the Delta State Government alongside various groups and individuals for their continuous support in maintaining the camp since its initiation by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Ogbodo disclosed that seven babies were successfully delivered by the camp’s medical staff “with all mothers and infants in good health and receiving appropriate care”.

He said, “Seven babies have so far been safely delivered in the camp. Just yesterday, another one was delivered.

“We have run this camp for nearly three months without any casualties of any kind. This success underscores the effectiveness of our team, particularly the medical staff.

Ogbodo also mentioned that the camp is equipped with a standby ambulance for emergencies and that two primary and secondary healthcare facilities are available in the town, with severe cases referred to Ughelli Central Hospital.

He assured that the reconstruction of the Okuama community is receiving serious attention from the state government.

Ogbodo, however, called upon Nigerian citizens and international humanitarian organizations, including the National Emergency Management Agency, to provide additional relief materials for the upkeep of the inmates.

“This support is especially crucial as the rainy season approaches, bringing heightened challenges to the hundreds of children, women and men seeking refuge in the camp,” he stated.

Ogbodo, a former Editor of The Guardian newspapers, joined by Committee members including the Committee Secretary, Chief Austin Emaduku and the Camp Commandant, Mr. Austin Ohwofaria, further detailed recent developments at the Okuama-Ewu IDP camp in Ewu town, Delta State just as he emphasized the ongoing efforts to meet the immediate needs of the Camp’s residents notably food and healthcare.

He highlighted the Camp’s significant strides in aiding the Okuama community following their displacement, noting “the urgency of additional support as the rainy season intensifies, which will bring new demands for resources.”

Ogbodo said, “This camp was opened in May and has been operational due to your cooperation and understanding. The Delta State Government has fulfilled its promises, ensuring the camp remains active. Our efforts have been supported by generous individuals and groups supplementing government assistance.

“We have received considerable help from the public and we express our gratitude for their role in our journey toward restoring the Okuama community.

“The final phase, the rebuilding of the community, is in focus.”

Ogbodo stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of the displaced people, saying, “For the people to return to their homes, they must first remain alive”.

Ogbodo spoke further, “Our mission is to sustain their lives so they can reclaim their ancestral land when the time is right. While we continue our efforts, we urge the public, including the Urhobo people and the international community, to contribute to this cause”.

The committee’s secretary, Olorogun Austin Emaduku, who is also the Head of Personnel Management at Ughelli South LGA, added that the camp’s facilities are sufficient for the number of IDPs currently residing there.

However, he added that the existing facility needs to be expanded to accommodate more displaced persons from the Okuama community ahead of predicted flooding this year.

He assured that all donations would be used to improve the comfort and well-being of the Okuama community residents within the camp.