From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced that the federal government’s immediate relief package includes a donation of N2 billion and twenty trucks of grains to the flood-affected community in Mokwa.
He made this disclosure on Wednesday, according to a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, where he assured the people of Mokwa of the federal government’s unwavering support following the devastating floods that recently ravaged the community.
He pledged immediate intervention and a strengthened commitment to sustainable disaster management policies nationwide.
Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, arrived in Mokwa at about 12:30 pm, where he was warmly received by the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba; the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Yahaya Abubakar; and members of the Niger State Executive Council.
Addressing the affected residents, Shettima expressed deep 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, stating,
“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.”
The Deputy Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba, representing Governor Umar Bago, expressed gratitude for the federal government’s quick response:
“Within 24 hours, NEMA was 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.”
The 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.
The Special Adviser to the Niger State Governor, Murtala Bagana, described the flood disaster as a “national tragedy” and thanked VP Shettima for his personal visit.
HRH Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Traditional Council, lauded the Vice President for consoling the people in person and thanked President Tinubu for the swift release of aid.
The federal delegation accompanying VP Shettima included Niger State’s own Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.