President Bola Tinubu, on Monday in Maiduguri, Borno State, announced a disaster relief fund to assist citizens impacted by floods and other disasters.
The President’s visit came amid efforts by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide urgent assistance and mobilize resources for those impacted by this natural disaster.
The devastating impacts of recent floods that have claimed at least 37 lives and displaced over one million residents. The flooding, described as the worst in three decades, was triggered by the collapse of the Alau Dam, resulting in extensive damage to homes, schools, and critical infrastructure.
According to a statement by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, during his visit, President Tinubu expressed condolences to the victims and called on the private sector to contribute to the fund, emphasising the need for a coordinated response to climate-related disasters. “We will support you. We will help you,” he assured those affected.
Accompanied by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and other state governors, Tinubu toured affected areas and met with local leaders, including the Shehu of Borno.
He commended Governor Babagana Zulum for his swift response to the crisis and pledged ongoing federal support for recovery initiatives.
Tinubu also visited an Internally Displaced Persons camp at the Government Secondary School in Maiduguri and had a drive-through of the areas affected by the disaster.
President Tinubu said: “After my visit to the Shehu of Borno and the IDP camp, I have been reflecting on how to tackle this kind of disaster and the effects of climate change.
“There must be a disaster relief fund. I will invite the private sector to team up with us and help rebuild the affected areas.
“If we take a small percentage from FAAC and put it as disaster relief fund, which will include all of you, we will be activating and strengthening our sense of belonging,” he said.
The President thanked Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, who is also Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Bauchi State governor Bala Mohammed, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu; and Kogi State governor Ahmed Usman Ododo; and other governors who look beyond party lines to bear the burdens of others.
He said that Nigeria’s diversity should spur prosperity.
The President extended his sympathy to the government, the people of Yobe State, and all the states affected by flooding and pledged his government’s continued support for victims of natural disasters.
“For all the people of Yobe State, I sympathise with you. We will create an outstanding programme for Nigeria to recover from this calamity. We will build our nation together,” the President assured.
The President speaking on the Governor of Borno State, prompt intervention and the Theatre Command of the Nigerian military for the evacuation that saved many lives said: “I am glad that Prof. Zulum has been a very active governor. Let me assure you that we will be with you, Borno State and share the burden.
“This disaster was a natural one. It was not the making of anybody. We cannot pass the blame. We pray that the Almighty Allah will receive the souls of the departed and grant them eternal rest.
“May God also overlook their shortcomings and misdeeds on earth,” he added.
The President commended all the ministries, agencies, and security outfits, particularly the military, involved in evacuation and relief and recognised the international organisations working in the state.
The Governor of Borno State thanked the President for the visit and commended the prompt intervention of Federal Government agencies, particularly NEMA and the military’s Theatre Command, in evacuating stranded victims.
At the palace, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El-Kanemi, thanked the President for the honour of visiting the state after the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, had earlier represented him.
Akpabio, said the National Assembly will collaborate with the executive to establish the Fund.
The Shehu of Borno urged the President to investigate the cause of the Alua dam collapse and overflow into the town to prevent a recurrence.
