From John Adams Minna
The Federal Government has approved N2 billion for the construction of settlement homes for victims of Mokwa flood disaster.
Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed when he paid a sympathy and assessment visit to the affected communities, yesterday.
Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, arrived Mokwa at about 12:30pm and was received by Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba; the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar; and members of the Niger State Executive Council.
Addressing the affected residents, Shettima expressed sympathy and solidarity, saying: “Mokwa has always stood as a vital crossroads in Nigeria’s geography and commerce. It is an agricultural hub and a cultural stronghold that connects the North and the South. This makes your pain a shared national burden. While this disaster is devastating, it will not define you. We will rebuild. We will restore the vibrancy for which Mokwa is known.”
He conveyed President Tinubu’s heartfelt condolences and commitment to swift action.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sends his heartfelt condolences and stands in solidarity with you during this trying time. He has directed immediate action to assess the damage and provide the necessary support to aid your recovery.”
Beyond relief efforts, Shettima stressed the government’s long-term strategy to tackle ecological challenges contributing to such disasters.
“The Federal Government remains committed to addressing the ecological challenges that have contributed to this crisis… The greatest honour we can give to those we have lost in this regrettable tragedy is our commitment to a future where such disasters are reduced through proactive measures and sustainable practices.”
He called for national unity in responding to disasters. “In times like these, we are reminded that a tragedy in one part of our nation is a sorrow shared by all. The preservation of life, whether threatened by natural calamities or human actions, is a responsibility we all share.”
Shettima, who could not believe the extent of the devastation by the flood after visiting the sites, also said that the Federal Government has ordered immediate release of 20 trucks of rice to be distributed to all the survivors victims, and assured the displaced people that the Federal Government will do everything possible to reduce their sufferings.
He said Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, has been directed to relocate to Mokwa to ensure that all the relief materials get to the targeted beneficiaries.
The vice president also said 14 MVA transformer be immediately provided for Mokwa town to replace the damaged one which has resulted in total black out.
He pointed out that the ministry for environment has equally been directed to fix all drainages, including the washed away bridges.
Shettima made it clear that the Federal Government will not do everything and therefore urged both the state and Mokwa Local Government to take up their own responsibility, stressing that “as Federal Government, we will do our part and both the state and the local government should also play their roles.”
The Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, who represented Governor Umar Bago, expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s quick response.
“Within 24 hours, NEMA were on the ground physically to ascertain what happened to us and to ensure that such a rescue mission was carried out practically. And we cannot thank them enough.”
Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman Gawu, also praised the Vice President’s visit, saying it has strengthened the community’s resolve during this difficult time. He commended the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their rapid provision of food and relief materials.