President Bola Tinubu, in response to recent devastating floods in Borno State, has announced the creation of a disaster relief fund aimed at supporting citizens affected by natural disasters, particularly flooding.
During his visit to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno, the President expressed his concern for those impacted by the floods caused by the Alau Dam overflow.
While addressing officials at the Borno State Government House, Tinubu urged private sector companies to contribute to the relief fund. The fund, according to the President, is critical as the country faces increasing climate challenges.
Many parts of Nigeria have become more vulnerable to the effects of climate change, making it essential to have a system in place to respond to such disasters.
During his visit, President Tinubu was accompanied by several key figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Akpabio assured that the National Assembly would collaborate with the executive branch to help establish and manage the fund, ensuring it has the necessary backing to assist those in need.
In addition to meeting with government officials, the President also paid a visit to the Shehu of Borno and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at Government Secondary School in Maiduguri.
He was briefed on the extent of the damage caused by the floods and took a drive through the affected areas to personally assess the situation.
Reflecting on his visit, President Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, was quoted as saying, “After my visit to the Shehu of Borno and the IDP camp, I have been reflecting on how to tackle this kind of disaster and the effects of climate change.
“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.
