In a generous and humane gesture, the community led by the Fifth Wazirin of Katsina, Alhaji Sani Lugga, recently showed great solidarity with flood victims in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. This commendable action was announced at an emergency meeting held via Zoom on September 11, 2024, where a whopping sum of N1 billion was immediately approved for the procurement and distribution of essential relief materials to the flood victims, in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The 34-member committee was established on October 9, 2012, under the leadership of former President Goodluck Jonathan, with Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Dr. Olisa Agbakoba as co-chairmen. Other eminent members of this committee include Alhaji Mohamed Indimi, Dr Mike Adenuga, Alhaji Karami Isyaku-Rabi’u, Mrs Folorusho Alakija, Hajiya Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman and Frank Nweke Jnr, with Hajiya Hajara Modu acting as Secretary.
This humanitarian initiative, initiated by the Presidential Committee, has been sustained under the successive Presidencies of Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu, demonstrating continued commitment to assisting flood victims in Nigeria. As a member of this prestigious committee, I feel compelled to clarify the conflicting reports in the media regarding the recent statement of our distinguished and humble Co-Chairman, Alhaji Dangote, during his visit to Borno.
Of the N2 billion pledged by Dangote, N1 billion is from the committee for the procurement and distribution of relief materials to flood victims in Borno, through NEMA. The concerted efforts between the committee and the Dangote Foundation are a testament to the critical financial support to alleviate the suffering of communities affected by this natural calamity.
In times of crises and disasters, solidarity and collaboration between public and private actors are of paramount importance to provide immediate relief to the affected populations. The continued commitment of the presidential committee and philanthropists like Alhaji Dangote underscores the need for collective and coordinated action to effectively address the humanitarian challenges facing Nigeria.