Flooding: Tinubu in Borno, announces creation of Disaster Relief Fund for affected Nigerians

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Monday, September 16, in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, announces a Disaster Relief Fund, to assist Nigerians negatively affected by recent floods and other disasters, just as the climate becomes more unpredictable while several places are vulnerable to its vagaries in the country

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the creation of a Disaster Relief Fund in order to support millions of Nigerians impacted by floods and other disasters in the country in recent times.

The President, who announced this Monday, September 16, 2024, at the Government House, Maiduguri, Borno State capital, while on a visit to sympathise with the Government and people of the state over the recent flood disaster from the Alau Dam, said the upcoming relief fund is already expedient as the climate is fast becoming more unpredictable, and several places are vulnerable to its vagaries across the West African country.

Cross-sections of Internally Displaced Persons at the Government Secondary School, in Maiduguri

Mr. Bayo Onaunuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who disclosed this development in a statement Monday via his verified X account, said President Tinubu urged the private sector to contribute to the fund.

The Presidential aide also affirmed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who accompanied the President on the visit, said the National Assembly (NASS) would collaborate with the executive to establish the Fund.

The Nigerian leaders during the trip also visited the Shehu of Borno, an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp at the Government Secondary School, in Maiduguri, and had a drive-through of the areas affected by the disaster.

President Tinubu stated: “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.”

Tinubu equally applauded Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, who is also Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu; and Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo; and other governors who have looked beyond party lines to bear the burdens of others in this regard.

According to him, Nigeria’s diversity should spur prosperity.

Likewise, the Nigerian President extended his sympathy to the government, the people of Yobe State, and all the other states affected by flooding, as he pledged his administration’s continued support for victims of natural disasters.

He noted: “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.”

Tinubu further commended Governor (Prof.) Babagana Zulum of Borno State, for his prompt intervention and the Theatre Command of the Nigerian military for the evacuation that saved many lives.

The Nigerian leader 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.”

The President as well extolled the support of all the government ministries, agencies, and security outfits, particularly the Military, involved in evacuation and relief and recognised the international organisations working in Borno State amid the flood disaster.

Speaking during Tinubu’s visit Monday, Governor Zulum thanked President Tinubu for the visit and commended the prompt intervention of Federal Government agencies, particularly NEMA and the military’s Theatre Command, in evacuating stranded victims.

Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El-Kanemi, the Shehu of Borno, who urged Tinubu to investigate the cause of the Alua Dam collapse and overflow into the town to prevent a recurrence, lauded the President for the honour of visiting the state after Vice-President (Sen.) Kashim Shettima, had earlier represented him in regard to the flood disaster.