What transpired when Tinubu stormed Borno, announced Disaster Relief Fund
Tinubu in Borno
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the creation of a disaster relief fund to support Nigerian citizens impacted by recent floods and other natural disasters.
The announcement was made on Monday during his visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, where he sought to address the aftermath of the devastating flooding from Alau Dam.
During his visit to the Borno Government House, President Tinubu stressed the urgency of the new fund, highlighting the increasing unpredictability of the climate and the growing vulnerability of various regions in Nigeria.
He called on the private sector to contribute to the fund to enhance the relief efforts.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who accompanied President Tinubu, stated that the National Assembly will collaborate with the executive branch to establish and manage the disaster relief fund effectively.
The President’s visit included a tour of the affected areas, including the Shehu of Borno’s palace, an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at the Government Secondary School in Maiduguri, and a drive-through of the disaster-stricken regions.
His tour aimed to assess the impact and underscore the government’s commitment to addressing the crisis.
President Tinubu remarked, “After my visit to the Shehu of Borno and the IDP camp, I have been reflecting on how to address such disasters and the broader impacts of climate change. It is clear that we need a disaster relief fund. I will invite the private sector to join us in rebuilding the affected areas.”
He also suggested that a small percentage of funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) be allocated to the disaster relief fund.
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“If we take a small percentage from FAAC and establish a disaster relief fund, it will strengthen our collective sense of responsibility,” he said.
The President extended his sympathies to the people of Borno, Yobe State, and other flood-affected areas, pledging his government’s continued support for disaster victims.
He praised the efforts of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, and other governors for their support beyond party lines.
“Nigeria’s diversity should be a source of strength and prosperity,” President Tinubu added. “We will create an outstanding program for Nigeria to recover from this calamity and build our nation together.”
President Tinubu also commended Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State for his prompt intervention and acknowledged the Nigerian military’s Theatre Command for their successful evacuation operations.
“This disaster was a natural occurrence, not the fault of any individual. We pray that the Almighty Allah grants eternal rest to the departed souls and forgives their earthly shortcomings,” President Tinubu said.
The President also recognized the contributions of various ministries, agencies, and security forces involved in the relief efforts and extended his gratitude to international organizations working in Borno State.
Governor Zulum thanked President Tinubu for his visit and praised the Federal Government’s prompt response, particularly the efforts of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the military.
At the palace, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El-Kanemi, expressed his appreciation for the President’s visit and requested an investigation into the cause of the Alau Dam’s collapse and overflow to prevent future incidents.
