President Bola Tinubu announced the establishment of a disaster relief fund in Maiduguri, Borno State, to support Nigerians affected by floods and other calamities.
The fund aims to address the increasing unpredictability of climate and the growing vulnerability of many regions in the country.
Tinubu made this announcement during a visit to Borno Government House, where he expressed his sympathy for the recent flooding caused by the Alau Dam. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, shared that Tinubu encouraged private sector contributions to the fund.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who accompanied Tinubu, stated that the National Assembly would work with the executive branch to establish the fund.
During his visit, Tinubu toured the Shehu of Borno’s palace, an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at Government Secondary School in Maiduguri, and surveyed the disaster-affected areas. Reflecting on the disaster and the impact of climate change, Tinubu emphasized the need for a disaster relief fund and urged collaboration with the private sector to aid in rebuilding efforts.
Tinubu proposed that a portion of the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds be allocated to the disaster relief effort, fostering a sense of collective responsibility.
The President extended his gratitude to various state governors, including Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu, and Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for their solidarity and support across party lines. He also offered his condolences to the people of Yobe State and other flood-affected areas, pledging ongoing government support for disaster victims.
He commended Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum for his swift response and praised the Theatre Command of the Nigerian military for their life-saving evacuation efforts.
In his remarks, President Tinubu acknowledged the contributions of ministries, agencies, and security forces, particularly the military, and appreciated the work of international organizations in the state.
Borno State Governor thanked the President for his visit and commended the prompt intervention of Federal Government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the military’s Theatre Command.
The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El-Kanemi, expressed gratitude for the President’s visit and urged an investigation into the Alau Dam’s collapse and overflow to prevent future incidents.