Follow Us on Google
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has said that the magnitude of the destruction from the devastating flood caused by the collapse of Alau Dam in Maiduguri cannot yet be quantified.
Zulum made this known on Friday in a statewide broadcast on the flood. He said: “The magnitude of the destruction from this devastating flood cannot yet be quantified until the water has receded and on-the-spot assessments have been conducted.
“We shall constitute a multi-stakeholder committee to undertake a sector-by-sector assessment of the losses to guide the recovery and rebuilding process.
“However, recovery from such a disaster cannot be the government’s responsibility alone. It requires the collective effort of all stakeholders.
“Today, I am appealing to everyone – community leaders, business owners, non-governmental organisations (national and international), and our esteemed wealthy individuals, to come together in support of our brothers and sisters who are suffering.
“Unity has always been our strength in Borno. In times like this, we must harness that strength and show empathy and compassion to each other.
“We are working closely with various federal government agencies, civil society organisations, and the Nigerian military to ensure that relief efforts are streamlined and effective.
Other News
“I invite and encourage other stakeholders to collaborate with our agencies to identify the best ways of providing assistance.
“Together, we can create a robust response plan that would address not only immediate needs but also long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts,” Zulum said.
While appreciating the resilience of the people of Borno in the face of disasters, the governor expressed sympathy to everyone affected directly and indirectly.
He also lauded all those that stepped up to provide humanitarian support, particularly the federal government, the military and United Nations Organisation. The governor also urged the media as partners to continue to help in raising awareness about the ongoing needs of our communities.
“Your role (media) in disseminating information about how individuals can help and where support and interventions can be directed is invaluable”, he said.
Meanwhile, financial support has started pouring in with Aliko Dangote who visited Zulum announcing the donation of N1 billion from the Presidential Committee on flood, and another N1 billion from the Dangote Foundation.
Former Governor of Borno, Sen. Ali Sheriff and Rep. Mukhtar Betara (APC-Borno) donated N100 million each, while Gov. Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa donated N50 million.
