Yenagoa—United Nigeria Airlines has donated and flown relief materials to victims of the devastating flood disaster in Bayelsa State.
Chief Operating Officer of the airline, Mazi Osita Okonkwo, said the donations were made in fulfillment of the airline’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Okonkwo who made this known during a chat with newsmen stated that “the flood experienced this year has been very devastating. Lives have been negatively impacted by the flood.
“Families have been separated. Homes and properties were destroyed. Businesses have also been negatively affected. More than half of the state is underwater. We hope for the immediate receding of the flood so that people can return to their normal lives.
“What we have done is in line with our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It is also in response to the call for help. The impact of the flood is huge and it will cost a lot to fix.
“We have only contributed towards ameliorating the sufferings of the people many of who cannot even find a place to cook for their families. We put ourselves in the shoes of those who have been negatively impacted by the flood. We feel their pains at this time and keep praying that succour will come their way sooner.”
Receiving the items for onward transfer to the State Government, the Station Manager of United Nigeria at the Bayelsa International Airport (BIA), Mrs. June Bells-Opara, expressed joy saying “that is who we are; flying to unite.”
She said, “I am very happy and proud of United Nigeria Airlines for reaching out to the host communities at this point in time.”
Mrs. Bells-Opara said the items will be officially handed over to the State government on Monday.
Items donated include rice, milk, noodles, salt, sugar, cooking oil, and potable drinking water among others.
Meanwhile, United Nigeria has said it will resume regular scheduled daily flights to the state on Monday.
Photo credit: Esumai Ambrose
