Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has extended a financial lifeline of N300 million to victims of the recent flood disaster that ravaged communities in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State. The donation was announced on Tuesday during a condolence visit to the Niger State Government House in Minna, where Governor Zulum led a delegation from Borno to express solidarity with the affected people.
Speaking during the visit, Governor Zulum said the contribution was aimed at supporting the efforts already being made by the Niger State Government to cushion the devastating impact of the flood, which reportedly led to the loss of lives, destruction of farmlands, homes, and critical sources of livelihood for many residents.
The Borno governor sympathised with the government and people of Niger State, describing the flood incident as not only tragic but also a painful reminder of the growing threats posed by climate change. He called for stronger collaboration among sub-national governments to jointly address environmental challenges, especially those related to natural disasters, which continue to threaten lives and economic stability in various parts of the country.
Governor Zulum also appealed to the Federal Government to establish a comprehensive and sustainable disaster management framework that can provide early warning systems, swift emergency response, and long-term mitigation strategies to prevent future occurrences of such environmental catastrophes.
In response, Niger State Governor, Umar Mohammed Bago, expressed deep appreciation for the visit and the generous donation from his Borno counterpart, describing it as a gesture that came at a most critical time. He noted that the two states shared common values and challenges, and lauded Governor Zulum for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes, resilience in governance, and love for the common man.
Governor Bago gave assurances that the funds would be transparently and judiciously deployed for the relief and rehabilitation of those affected by the disaster. He also highlighted the ongoing sensitisation campaign by the state government, urging residents—particularly those in flood-prone areas and along riverbanks, to relocate and avoid rebuilding in high-risk zones.
The N300 million donation by Governor Zulum underscores the spirit of inter-state solidarity and sets a notable example of leadership in times of crisis. As Nigeria continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, the importance of proactive governance and mutual support among states has never been more critical.
