Succour has come to some victims of flood disaster which occurred in Borno state four months ago, as they have started to receive relief packages donated by governments and prominent individuals within and outside the country.
The Chairman of the Relief Disbursement Committee, Mr Baba-Bukar Gujibawu, disclosed in Maiduguri that not less than 101,330 households affected by the Sept.10, 2024 flood disaster in within the state capital, and its environs have received food and non-food items, including cash payments of N18.08 billion.
Gujibawu, made this known while presenting the committee’s report to Governor Babagana Zulum.
He explained that more than one million people were affected by the flood disaster which displaced 101,330 households, and resulted in the destruction of public infrastructure, farmlands, and loss of lives.
According to him, the committee received N18.2 billion in donations through a basket fund supported by the federal and state governments, corporate organisations, and individuals.
Gujibawu explained that the N18.2 billion received by the committee included the contribution of N10 billion from Borno State Government.
“The committee allocated N987 million to assist 7,716 traders in affected markets; N313 million to 814 worship centres; N213 million to 267 private schools; N89.4 million to 1,788 youths who contributed during the flood, and N12.5 million to 22 private clinics.
Gujbawu revealed that in addition to that, the committee received donations of drugs, medical supplies, food, and other essential items worth billions of naira.
“The committee recommended that the remaining N4.45 billion in its account be used to rehabilitate roads in flood-hit areas of Gongulong and Old Maiduguri roads while the remaining food and non-food items should be distributed to host communities.”
Gujbawu expressed gratitude to Zulum for giving them freehand without interference in carrying out the assignment and commended his members for their dedication.
Responding, Governor Zulum assured the committee of implementing the committee’s recommendations.
The governor directed the immediate activation of a permanent disaster response structure at the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) as recommended by the committee’s report.
He also directed the Secretary to the State Government to devise modalities for properly capturing street names and house numbers in all communities within the state capital and its environs.
The governor also charged the Ministry of Works to immediately reconstruct the road networks destroyed by floods in different communities.
Zulum commended the Federal Government for its support to victims of the Maiduguri flood disaster and, specifically, President Bola Tinubu, for the love and care he displayed to the people of Borno during the disaster.
He thanked the committee for a wonderful job, saying: “Let me commend the members of this important committee for your meticulous work. Insha’Allah, posterity will judge you positively.”
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