By: Gbenga Akingbule
Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, on Tuesday, flagged off the disbursement of cash and distribution of relief items to victims of the disastrous flooding that led to the death of unspecified persons and destroyed properties.
Gatekeepers News reports that Zulum kick-started the aid support to victims of the densely populated Gwange 1 area of Maiduguri, the state capital where 5,235 beneficiaries, comprising male and female got various forms of support.
Governor Zulum revealed that the sum of N7.5 billion has so far been received from the pledges made and assured that the monies will be judiciously utilized. The total pledge stood at over 14 billion as of Monday.
Prof Zulum who handed out relief items to beneficiaries based on the level of losses they suffered said the state government is committed to the plight of the flood victims and will ensure donations made are channelled to the right beneficiaries.
According to the governor, “Today marks a significant step towards recovery as we flagged off the disbursement of funds and distribution of relief items to the flood victims. This represents our collective resolve to ensure that no one is left behind.”
The governor revealed that 587 beneficiaries had their houses destroyed, 2,365 households experienced minimal destruction, and another 2,283 were partially affected.
“The interventions would be in the following categories. Those affected minimally will receive N100,000, a 25kg bag of rice, a 10kg bag of beans, mats, blankets, and mosquito nets. While those whose houses were partially or destroyed will receive amounts according to the nature of devastation they’ve experienced.
“As your governor, we will not relent in our efforts until we provide the necessary support to restore hope, rebuild lives, and livelihood,” Zulum said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mohammed Bukar, who lost his properties to the flood, was full of gratitude to the state government and other development partners
“I’m very happy now, I got N200,000. , 25kg of rice, 10kg of beans, and a blanket. I’m grateful to all who made this possible for me and my family,” Bukar said.
The UN organisations had made pronouncements targeted at supporting households that were affected by the flooding.
UNHCR: “We’re providing 15000 Sleeping Mats, 15000 Mosquito Nets, 10750 Blankets and cash assistance for the category of minimal destruction, N100, per household and we will cover 4,600 households.”
WFP: “We have confirmed that 40,000 households will be assisted with 25kg each of Rice and 10kg of nutritious Beans. For the funds in cash for 80,000 households, we’re still waiting for confirmation.”
