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Tag: flood

  • Maiduguri flood: Bafarawa donates N50m to Borno govt

    Maiduguri flood: Bafarawa donates N50m to Borno govt

    Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, a one time Sokoto state governor has donated N50 million to the Borno government for relief to victims of the Alau Dam flood disaster.

    Bafarawa, who was also a one time presidential candidate, on Friday paid a sympathy visit to the state governor, Babagana Umara Zulum in Maiduguri where he presented the donation through the Attahiru Bafarawa Foundation.

     Also, prayers were offered for the souls of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery for the injured as well as those who lost their properties.

    The former governor also urged for more support from organisations and philanthropists.

    “I call on well meaning Nigerians especially and corporate bodies support the state government and the entire people of Borno to facilitate the process recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction of structures where necessary,” the ex-Sokoto governor said as he described the incident as destiny while urging victims to consider it as a test.

    However, Bafarawa further  pleaded to authorities for proper mitigation while advising adequate measures be taken to prevent future occurrences.

    Read Also: Sokoto 2023: Bafarawa lied, says, Sokoto Police

    Bafarawa explained that Governor Babagana Zulu of Borno state thanked the Foundation for the timely support and described the visit as a demonstration of brotherhood, love and concern for humanity.

    Zulum explained that the disaster had that affected hundreds of people, their shelters and economic activities. 

    Others on the delegation included the Foundation’s disbursement Committee Chairman, Malam LAWAL Maidoki, his Secretary , Alhaji Sagir Bafarawa, Alhaji Aminu Babba (Sarkin Dawaki), Alhaji Sani Gwaram and U. U Shehu. 

    Bafarawa floated a Foundation setting aside N1 billion for its routine operations to support to the needy as well as focus on water supply, education, health and empowerment, among other key areas of dire need.

  • Save the Children calls for aid for kids affected by Maiduguri flood

    Save the Children calls for aid for kids affected by Maiduguri flood

    Save the Children in Nigeria has called for improved humanitarian assistance for children affected by the devastating flood in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

    The Country Director, SCI, Nigeria, Duncan Harvey, during a news conference in Abuja, said that there were more than 150,000 children in 26 camps, and many have been disconnected from their families.

    Harvey, while speaking on his visit along with his team to see the situation of things in Maiduguri and offer humanitarian assistance, said the disaster was the worst in living memory in 30 years.

    He said: “Last week’s flooding in Borno is one of the worst in 30 years, affecting 400,000 people, and leaving children and families without shelter, healthcare, school, clean water and food.

    “I was in Maiduguri until Saturday when I saw the massive damages the flooding caused and interacted with some affected families.

    “Conditions in the hastily opened Internally Displaced Persons (IDP), camps are overcrowded and insanitary and the scale of partners’ services is not keeping up with the numbers.

    “According to the Borno State Government’s Emergency Operations Centre, over 300,000 people have been registered in at least 26 relocation sites, as of Sept.14.”

    Harvey said there was an urgent need for an intervention to prevent the spread of the outbreak of cholera at the IDP camps in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, due to the flood.

    The country director said the first cholera case have already been reported, describing it as a major health risk that needs urgent intervention.

    He said: “I was in Maiduguri until Saturday when I saw the massive damages the flooding caused and interacted with some affected families.

    “It was an opportunity for me and my organisation to evaluate the situation and work with my colleagues in Maiduguri to provide immediate assistance to some affected populations.

    Read Also: Maiduguri flood forced Yola Polo tourney to October 

    “The flooding is happening at the height of a food and nutrition crisis– the lean season.

    “In addition to the immediate need for food and clean water for the IDPs, water-borne diseases and malaria are major risks.

    “Open defecation in the camps is widespread. The first cholera cases have been reported and this is a major health risk that needs an urgent intervention.”

    The country director said SCI is already on ground in Maiduguri to provide urgent rescue service, lifesaving response and rehabilitation of affected communities.

    He added that the organisation has set up health and nutrition outreach services to the affected households; and undertaking rehabilitation of sanitation facilities as well as conducting hygiene promotion and community awareness raising.

    He said: “Save the Children’s urgent response plan to the crisis includes but not limited to multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA) to the affected households; setting up health and nutrition outreach services to the affected households.

    “Rehabilitation of sanitation facilities and conducting hygiene promotion and community awareness raising; child protection in emergencies through setting up mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) help desk to provide psychological first-aid and psychosocial support to children and caregivers in the camps; the rollout of safe family sessions and establishing minimum protection monitoring activities, among others.”

  • Borno flood: List of aid donations to victims

    Borno flood: List of aid donations to victims

    Following the devastating floods in Borno state, several organisations, government agencies, and individuals have stepped forward with significant aid contributions to support the victims.

    The flood, which resulted from the collapse of the Alau Dam after heavy rainfall, has been described as the worst in 30 years, affecting over a million people and displacing hundreds of thousands.

    Below is a comprehensive list of aid donations received by Borno since the floods began:

    1. United Nations (UN)

    – $6 million in financial aid for emergency relief, providing shelter, food, and health services to flood victims.

    2. Federal Government of Nigeria

    – Establishment of a Disaster Relief Fund, seeded with federal government funds, to mitigate the impact of the disaster. 

    – 100 trucks of relief materials, comprising 50 trucks of maize, 30 trucks of sorghum, and 20 trucks of millet.

    3. World Food Programme (WFP)

    – Provision of emergency food supplies to help families meet basic nutritional needs while they recover from the disaster.

    Read Also: Flooding: Facts about Cameroon’s Lagdo dam affecting Nigeria

    4. World Health Organization (WHO)

    – Deployment of four mobile health teams with essential drugs and medical supplies. 

    – Delivery of health services to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases, malaria, and other infectious diseases. 

    – Additional 50 frontline volunteers to monitor and contain disease outbreaks in camps.

    5. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

    – A 50-ton shipment of food supplies was sent to Nigeria as part of their ongoing humanitarian efforts to support affected populations globally.

    6. Aliko Dangote Foundation and Presidential Committee on Flood and Disaster

    – A total donation of N2 billion, including N1 billion from the Dangote Foundation and another N1 billion from the committee, to assist flood victims.

    7. Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL)

    – Donation of essential relief materials including food items, toiletries, bedding, and other household necessities to the affected communities.

    8. National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) 

    -10 trailer loads of high-yield fertilizers, valued at N120 million, donated to support agricultural recovery efforts in the state.

  • Flood: We are all from Borno

    Flood: We are all from Borno

    • By Zayd Ibn Isah

    Sir: The city of Maiduguri recently came under attack by the relentless force of nature. A devastating flood swept through the beautiful city, claiming lives and destroying property. While the word “attack” typically conjures images of Boko Haram’s decade-long reign of terror in the state, this time it was the waters from Alau Dam that left destruction in their wake.

    One has to feel sorry for the indefatigable governor of Borno, who has been at the forefront of the rescue operations. Professor Babagana Zulum has been working tirelessly with security agencies to rid the state of Boko Haram insurgents, and by all indications, there has been tremendous success. But the flood disaster presents a unique set of difficulties and demands effective solutions.

    This is not a call for sympathy; it’s a call for action. Relief efforts must be scaled up, and support must come from all corners—government, non-governmental organizations, and private citizens alike. The people of Borno have endured more than their fair share of hardship, and now, more than ever, they need our help to rebuild their lives and communities.

    So far, the support from Nigerians across religious and political divides is commendable: the World Health Organization (WHO), through its representative, Walter Kazadi Mulombo, has pledged technical and operational support; former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, visited Borno and donated N100 million to the flood victims; the Kano State government also made a donation of N100 million to the state; the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, pledged a donation of ₦2 billion to assist those affected; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, paid a condolence visit and pledged his unalloyed support to the flood victims. The support coming from across religious, regional, and political divides goes to show the truth of the time-tested saying: what binds us together is stronger than what divides us. The rescue operations by agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and private individuals are, to me, indications that we have a system that works and people who recognize the urgency of the situation at hand. Those who died rescuing others, like the young Nigeria Customs Service personnel, Officer Ibrahim M., deserve a special place in the country’s hall of fame.

    At this moment, it has become clear how much of a compassionate and discerning leader we have in our able President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In his statement, the president expressed deep sympathies to those affected, praising their strength and resilience, before assuring them of the government’s commitment to alleviating their suffering. He promised support and relief to rebuild lives and restore hope, and also thanked the governor of Borno State, traditional leaders, emergency response agencies, NGOs, and corporate organizations for their exceptional leadership and support.

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    According to President Tinubu, a Disaster Relief Fund has been established to alleviate the impact of the catastrophe even as he urged the private sector to match or exceed the federal government’s commitment to the fund and appealed for global collaboration from international partners. The president’s visit came shortly after the vice president, Kashim Shettima, who hails from the state and governed it for eight years, visited to assess the extent of the damage.

    Ultimately, this flood in Borno is a wake-up call, showing us that while Africa may be blessed with fewer large-scale natural disasters, we cannot afford to be complacent. A lasting solution must be implemented to prevent future breaches of the dam. There must also be a prioritization of disaster preparedness and response systems to ensure that when nature strikes, we can protect our people and their livelihoods.

    It is sad that at a time when Borno State is on a path to recovery from the complexities of the humanitarian crisis caused by years of conflict, this level of destruction occurred to worsen the displacement of families and damage to valuable infrastructure. But there is hope for Borno yet, thanks to all of us who, by identifying with the enormity of the need and rising to the challenge, have become sons and daughters of Borno in this tragedy. Like all tragedies, we have the power as a collective to help in restoring the good fortune of this beautiful state.

    •Zayd Ibn Isah,

     lawcadet1@gmail.com

  • Take flood alert serious, Kwara urges residents

    Take flood alert serious, Kwara urges residents

    Kwara State Government has urged residents to take seriously the various flood alerts, enlightenment and precautionary measures by the government and traditional institutions. 

    In a statement on Tuesday, Commissioner for Communication Bola Olukoju said various agencies of government have conducted several public enlightenment programmes on flooding and how to mitigate its impacts in areas that are prone to it. 

    “More of such programmes are still ongoing, including through radio stations and community leaders. The government has desilted many drainages and water passages within the metropolis while discouraging actions that may compound the threats of climate crisis and rise in water levels,” she said.

    Read Also: Flood: Foundation donates N20m cash, N10m research grant to Borno govt

    “In riverine communities like Patigi and Edu and elsewhere, our royal fathers have continued to engage people in areas that are prone to flooding to relocate to places long allocated for the purpose. We appeal to our people to follow this important advisory as the government does its part of supporting them in various ways.” 

    The statement said the state government will continue to lend its voice to calls for the dredging of the River Niger which is the permanent solution to the perennial flooding in that axis.

  • Flood: Body seeks help for media, others

    Flood: Body seeks help for media, others

    Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) has said media professionals and scholars in flood ravaged areas can be more focused on delivering quality services to audiences and the global community.

    In a statement by its General Secretary, Dr Solomon Oyeleye, the association commiserated with families of victims of the flood disaster and other Nigerians affected.

    It bemoaned the incident at a time the country is battling  hunger and economic hardship occasioned by soaring prices, with food insecurity.

    Acknowledging efforts of governments, it called on stakeholders to ensure no victim is left unattended  to.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Notorious bandits leaders killed by Nigerian Military

    The statement read: “ We understand the peculiar situation of our members, including media workers and the academic community, who cover this incident to bring news regarding the disaster to the public.

    “We have seen many of them risking their lives as they work in challenging conditions to ensure that the public is provided with accurate, adequate and up-to-date information. We salute their courage and commitment to the profession and wish them safety.

    “We call on governments to deal with flooding to safeguard life and property.

    We assure our members you are in our prayers during this difficult time. We pray the Almighty will restore every f you may have suffered as a result of this flooding.”

  • Flood: Tinubu arrives Maiduguri

    Flood: Tinubu arrives Maiduguri

    President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has arrived in Maiduguri to condole with the government and people of the state over the Alau Dam flood disaster.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu arrived around 3.15 pm.

    Tinubu, who was received on arrival by Gov. Babagana Zulum, is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar-Garbai El-Kaneni, from where he is expected to proceed to one of the camps  to address displaced persons.

    Read Also: First Lady Tinubu unveils #OneNigeria/UnityFabric with N25m price tag

    NAN reports that the Monday flood which submerged almost half of Maiduguri city led to loss of lives and properties.

    So far the Borno Government has opened 36 camps to cater for thousands of displaced persons.

    Details shortly…

  • Fed govt pledges support to Borno flood victims

    Fed govt pledges support to Borno flood victims

    Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal has said the Federal Government would support Borno State recovery and mitigation efforts following last week floods that wrecked havoc in the state.

    The minister made the pledge during a visit to the state where he was received by the Governor, Babagana Zulum

    He was accompanied on the visit by the Permanent Secretary Mahmoud Adam Kambari, Director Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zones Management, Director Pollution Control and Environmental Health, the Director of Press, the National Project Coordinator for ACReSAL, the National Project Coordinator for Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP); the Conservator – General of the National Park Service, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, and representatives from the Environmental Impact Assessment Department.

    Read Also: Borno flood: Correctional Service declares 281 inmates missing

    The government team led by the minister reviewed and assessed the extent of the damage caused by the flood and explored sustainable solutions to enhance flood resilience, erosion control, and environmental protection.

    In a statement, the minister said: “The team reviewed and assessed the extent of the damage caused by the flood and explored sustainable solutions to enhance flood resilience, erosion control, and environmental protection. Together, they discussed immediate interventions and long-term strategies to safeguard communities and restore the affected areas.

    “The minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all necessary resources and technical support will be mobilised to assist Borno State in addressing the environmental challenges posed by the flood.”

  • FG releases N3 billion to states to address flood

    FG releases N3 billion to states to address flood

    …Shettima visits Niger IDPs

    The federal government said it has released N3 billion to each state across the country to address the flooding issues in the states.

    The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen after visiting the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Gwada, Shiroro local government area of Niger state.

    He explained that he was in Niger State for an assessment tour under the directives of President Bola Tinubu, reaffirming the commitment of the federal government to the people of Niger State and Nigeria towards addressing the devastating effects of flood and insecurity that had bedevilled the country.

    Shettima said that though the N3 billion is being given to each state, there are states that would get more as some states are more affected than others.

    “This is just the tip of the iceberg as far as some states like Borno, Sokoto, Niger, Bayelsa and Jigawa are concerned.  We will do the assessment and be scientific in our approach and all states that deserve to be supported will be fully supported because governance is about the people and the President has the people in his mind as he sleeps and wakes up with Nigeria on his mind and we will go round the country and offer empathy and support”, he said.

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    During the visit to the IDP camps, the Vice President was told that the general number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state stands at 46,853 displaced persons with 5,863 households affected.

    A further breakdown revealed that 23,450 men and women, alongside 17,540 children, were affected by flood, banditry and communal conflict across the state.

    “We are aware many lives have been lost and people have lost means of livelihoods as well as property worth millions affected. I learned about fourteen local government areas are affected in Niger”, he said.

    The Vice President was accompanied by the Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris Malagi; the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; the Director General of Nigeria Emergency Management Agency and the Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq.

    He restated the commitment of the federal government towards supporting the government and people of Niger State towards addressing the challenges caused by devastation by flood and insecurity.

    “We have come to reaffirm the President’s commitment and his irrevocable commitment towards ameliorating the suffering of the people. We will support our people; it is not all about politics; it is about governance; it is about ameliorating the condition of our people.

    “This is a symbolic gesture, we have come on an assessment tour, and I want to assure the government and people of Niger State that the President is poised to assist all states of the federation towards addressing these challenges”, he stated.

    Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, appreciated the visit of the Vice President to the people of Nigeria state over the flood disasters and insecurity bedevilling the state, saying that it shows the government sees and feels the pains of the people.

    He said that the state government and people are relieved over the show of love and concern by the federal government.

    The Vice President donated mattresses, bags of rice, beans and salt, groundnut oil, soap, and blankets, among others, to the IDPs in the state.

  • Southern Senators’ Forum seek effective flood control measures

    Southern Senators’ Forum seek effective flood control measures

    The Nigerian Southern Senators’ Forum has called on relevant agencies of government to intensify efforts towards mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and implementing effective flood control measures to safeguard lives and properties.

    The Chairman of the Forum who represents Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, made this call in a statement in Abuja.

    The Forum also extended deep sympathies to the government and people of Borno state over the recent flood incident.

    It also commended the efforts of the Federal and State governments as well as relevant agencies in coming to the aid of the victims of the incident.

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    Abiru said: “The Nigerian Southern Senators Forum wishes to extend its deepest sympathies to the government and people of Borno State over the recent devastating flood incidents that have resulted in the loss of lives, displacement of communities, and destruction of properties.

    “We are deeply saddened by the tragic impact of these floods on the lives of the residents of Maiduguri.

    “We stand in solidarity with all those who have been affected by this natural disaster and commend the efforts of the Federal and Borno State governments, emergency response agencies, and humanitarian organizations who are working tirelessly to provide relief and support to the victims of this disaster.

    “As the Senators representing the Southern part of the country, we are committed to working with our brother colleagues across the country to ensure that measures are put in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.

    “We call on relevant agencies of government to intensify efforts towards mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and implementing effective flood control measures to safeguard lives and properties.

    “In this challenging time, we urge all Nigerians to support the ongoing relief efforts in any way possible and to continue to pray for the speedy recovery of those affected.

    “May Almighty Allah comfort the families of the victims, and grant the government and people of Borno State the wisdom, strength and courage to rebuild.”