President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during a visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday, announced the establishment of a disaster relief fund aimed at assisting Nigerians affected by floods and other natural disasters. The President emphasized the urgent need for the fund, citing the increasing unpredictability of the climate and the vulnerability of various regions in the country.
Speaking at the Borno Government House, President Tinubu expressed his sympathy for the people affected by the recent flooding from Alau Dam and called on the private sector to contribute to the relief efforts. Accompanied by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who pledged the National Assembly’s collaboration in creating the fund, Tinubu outlined a strategic plan to mitigate the effects of climate change and disasters in the future.
During his visit, President Tinubu toured areas affected by the floods, visited an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at Government Secondary School, Maiduguri, and met with the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El-Kanemi. He assured the people of Borno and other affected states of continued federal support and proposed allocating a percentage from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) to the disaster relief fund.
“After seeing the situation first-hand, it is clear that we must work together to tackle these challenges. The disaster relief fund will help rebuild and recover the affected areas. We must act swiftly and decisively,” Tinubu stated.
The President also extended his sympathy to Yobe State and other regions affected by flooding, promising a comprehensive national recovery program. He praised the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, for his prompt response to the disaster, and acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian military’s Theatre Command and various federal agencies in evacuating stranded victims.
In his remarks, the Shehu of Borno urged the President to investigate the cause of the Alau Dam collapse to prevent future disasters. The Governor of Borno State expressed gratitude for the President’s visit and the swift federal intervention in the crisis.
President Tinubu’s visit highlights his administration’s commitment to addressing the impact of natural disasters and fostering cooperation among federal, state, and private entities in supporting victims and rebuilding affected communities.
