Tinubu establishes Disaster Relief Fund to address flood impact

President Bola Tinubu announced the establishment of a disaster relief fund during his visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, to assist Nigerians affected by floods and other disasters.

The announcement was made at the Government House, where Tinubu expressed his sympathy to the people of Borno following the recent flooding from Alau Dam.

Tinubu called on the private sector to contribute to the fund, emphasizing its urgency due to the unpredictable effects of climate change. The President was accompanied by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who pledged the National Assembly’s collaboration with the executive to establish the fund.

During his visit, Tinubu also toured areas affected by the disaster and visited an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, where he highlighted the importance of finding sustainable solutions to disaster management.

“There must be a disaster relief fund. I will invite the private sector to team up with us and help rebuild the affected areas.

“If we take a small percentage from FAAC and put it as disaster relief fund, which will include all of you, we will be activating and strengthening our sense of belonging,” he said.

The President thanked Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, who is also Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Bauchi State governor Bala Mohammed, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu; and Kogi State governor Ahmed Usman Ododo; and other governors who look beyond party lines to bear the burdens of others.

He said that Nigeria’s diversity should spur prosperity. The President extended his sympathy to the government, the people of Yobe State, and all the states affected by flooding and pledged his government’s continued support for victims of natural disasters.

“For all the people of Yobe State, I sympathise with you. We will create an outstanding programme for Nigeria to recover from this calamity. We will build our nation together,” the President assured.

The President commended the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, for prompt intervention and the Theatre Command of the Nigerian military for the evacuation that saved many lives.

“I am glad that Prof. Zulum has been a very active governor. Let me assure you that we will be with you, Borno State and share the burden.