Niger flood: FG donates N2bn, 20 trucks of grain to aid recovery
Flood
Abdullateef Fowewe
Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured the people of Mokwa, Niger State of the Federal Government’s unwavering support following the recent devastating floods that ravaged the community.
During his visit on Wednesday, Shettima pledged immediate intervention and reinforced the government’s commitment to sustainable disaster management policies nationwide, a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, revealed on Wednesday.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, VP Shettima arrived in Mokwa at about 12:30 PM, where he was warmly received by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers HRH Yahaya Abubakar, and members of the Niger State Executive Council.
Shettima during his visit to the flood-hit community, where the federal government donated N2 billion and 20 trucks of grains to the affected community.
Shettima regretted that what happened in Mokwa was a sorrow that has touched every stretch of the nation.
“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 assured.
Addressing residents, the VP conveyed Tinubu’s direct commitment to immediate action, announcing that the President has ordered immediate intervention to provide succour to the affected community.
He stated, “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.
“We came to you today not just as your political representatives and leaders, but as fellow Nigerians deeply moved by the tragedy that has befallen your community. Our hearts ache for the lives lost, the homes destroyed, and the livelihoods disrupted.”
Beyond immediate relief, Shettima outlined the government’s commitment to preventing future disasters, saying “the Federal Government remains committed to addressing the ecological challenges that have contributed to this crisis.”
Calling for a united national response and stronger preventative measures, the Vice President said, “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.”
He also demanded a long-term commitment to environmental resilience and sustainable development, noting that “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.”
On his part, Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, who was represented by his deputy, Yakubu Garba, thanked the federal government for standing with the state in its moment of grief.
“Within 24 hours, NEMA were 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,” he said.
He said the visit by the Vice President was a reassurance of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the well-being of the people.
The Federal Government delegation included the Minister of Information & National Orientation, Mohammed Idris and the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.
