From IDRIS ABBA, Maiduguri
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State has appealed to all societal stakeholders – governments, individuals, local and international non-governmental organisations, religious bodies, among others – “to come together in support of our brothers and sisters who are suffering,” lamenting that “the magnitude of the destruction from this devastating flood caused by Alau Dam in Maiduguri cannot yet be quantified.”
In a statewide broadcast earlier today (Friday, September 13) on the flood, the Governor 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.
“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.”
While appreciating the resilience of the people of Borno in the face of disasters, the Governor expressed his sympathy to everyone affected directly and indirectly, lauding all those that stepped up to provide humanitarian support, particularly the federal government, the military and the United Nations organisations.
And urging the media as partners to continue to raise awareness “about the ongoing needs of our communities”, the Borno Governor stressed: “Your role (media) in disseminating information about how individuals can help and where support and interventions can be directed is invaluable.”
Meanwhile, financial support has started pouring in in support of the Borno State government’s disaster management effort.
Earlier today, during his visit to Zulum, Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, announced a donation of N1bn from the Presidential Committee on flood and another N1b from the Dangote Foundation.
Similarly, former Governor of Borno, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff and Rep. Mukhtar Betara (APC-Borno) donated N100m each, while Gov. Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa donated N50m.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), more than 30 people have died and over 400,000 displaced due to the flood in Maiduguri.
On Tuesday, thousands of residents fled their homes as flood ravaged swathes of Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin areas of Maiduguri.
The Borno government has opened up internally displaced persons (IDP) camps for victims across the state.
