Gov Zulum flag off Distribution of Relief material to Maiduguri Flood Victims
By Ibrahim Umar,
Kanempress News,
16th,Sept,2024
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has initiated the distribution of relief materials to victims of the devastating flooding in Maiduguri. The flood, caused by the overflow of Alau Dam, has displaced nearly 2 million people within the Maiduguri Metropolis and surrounding areas.
The flag-off ceremony took place on Monday at Bakasi camp along Damboa Road in Maiduguri. The relief materials distributed include a 25kg bag of rice, a carton of pasta, and N10,000 in cash.
Addressing journalists, Governor Zulum expressed concern over the influx of people not affected by the flood into the IDP camps, complicating relief operations. He stated, “We observed that it is no longer sustainable to continue receiving people in the camps because many people who were not affected are coming to the camps.”
In addition to distributing relief materials, the governor announced plans for a comprehensive assessment of the affected areas to inform future interventions. “We decided to mobilize resources to ensure that each affected victim receives the relief items. We have also concluded arrangements to assess the communities and verify the actual number of those affected,” he said.
Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, representing Borno Central, commended the governor for his leadership during the crisis. “Let me commend the governor for providing leadership since the flooding started; he was out with his entire team conducting search and rescue operations and assisting his people. I also join His Excellency in commending our donors and urging others to support the government in assisting victims,” Senator Lawan said.
The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, highlighted her agency’s interventions, which include providing shelters and mobile water purifiers to ensure clean drinking water for those affected.
Governor Zulum also acknowledged the receipt of food donations from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, NEMA, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to support the flood victims.
The event was attended by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North, members of the House of Representatives, and the Borno State Executive Council.
