FG, Dangote’s Flood Committee Donates N1 billion worth of items to Borno Govt
By Ladi Dapson, Maiduguri
The Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation through the National Emergency Management Agency has donated items worth one billion naira to the Borno state government for onward distribution to the affected victims.
The Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, represented by the Director of Disaster Reduction, Adamu Abdullahi Usur, stated this during the handing over ceremony of the items in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
She noted that in response to these challenges, NEMA has worked tirelessly to provide relief and recovery support to Borno State including provision of relief assistance and medicaments to persons affected by flooding caused by the collapse of Alau Dam in Maiduguri amongst others.
“Today’s handover of relief materials donated by PCFRR is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government under the able leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, based on the renewed hope mantra. The donated items will further complement the ongoing efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate flood-affected communities in Borno State.
“While these interventions are crucial, rebuilding and recovery require a sustained and collective effort. I therefore call on stakeholders, including development partners, non-governmental organizations and private sector actors, to continue their support for Borno State. Together, we can help restore hope and provide a sustainable pathway to recovery for the affected communities.
“These relief items will complement ongoing efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate affected communities, reaffirming our commitment to building a safer and more resilient future. This handover demonstrates our collective effort to rebuild and provide relief to communities severely impacted by the flood. It also reinforces the government’s dedication to disaster resilience and recovery,” she said.
Items distributed including 4,000 beans bags(25Kg), 5,000 cartoons of noodles, 500 kegs of vegetables oil, 1,000 cartoons tomate paste, foam mattresses (6×3) 3000 pieces, 3,000 guinea brocades, 3,000 pieces wax prints, 3,000 mosquito nets, and 1,500 cartons each of diapers and sanitary pads, among other necessities.
Speaking, Borno State Deputy Governor Umaru Kadakur expressed gratitude for the substantial relief items donated by the committee under the co-chairmanship of Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Dr. Olisa Agbakoba for their swift and generous interventions in supporting victims of the devastating flood that struck Borno State on Sept. 10, 2024.
Kadakur disclosed that the committee had allocated ₦1 billion for the procurement of relief materials in response to NEMA’s call for assistance following the flood disaster.
He noted that the intervention reaffirmed the collective commitment to alleviating the suffering of Nigerians impacted by disasters.
“The Presidential Committee, in consultation with NEMA, identified and prioritized the needs of the flood victims, ensuring that essential items such as food, non-food materials, and sanitary products were procured. We have constituted a specialized committee tasked with managing all aspects of the relief and recovery efforts to ensure that every affected individual and community benefits,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the Presidential Committee, a representative of its Co-Chairmen, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, Hajiya Hajara Adam-Goni, highlighted the urgent intervention facilitated by the committee.
She explained that the allocation of funds followed a recommendation from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to prioritize Borno State due to the severity of the disaster.
She assured that a dedicated state committee would oversee the distribution and address both immediate and long-term recovery needs.
“The relief items will not only provide immediate support but also serve as a foundation for rebuilding lives and livelihoods. The Borno State government is committed to ensuring a fair and efficient distribution process,”.
