Zulum to raise flood assessment committees to ascertain destruction levels
By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State is to raise multi-stakeholder’s committees to assess the destruction of lives and property by floods in Maiduguri metropolis.
According to him, the sectoral committees will guide the state government and development partners in the recovery and rebuilding process.
Zulum unfolded the assessment committees over the weekend (Saturday), in Maiduguri, in a state-wide broadcast to the people.
He also expressed deepest empathy to everyone who has been affected in one way or another by the ongoing flooding of Maiduguri metropolis.
The state-wide broadcast reads, “I assure you that your government is committed to doing everything possible to aid those in need.
“The magnitude of the destruction from this devastating flood cannot yet be quantified until the water has receded before embarking on on-the-spot assessments by the various committees.
“However, recovery from such a disaster cannot be the government’s responsibility alone.”
Instead, he noted that it requires the collective effort of all stakeholders and other development agencies.
Continued: “Today, I am appealing to everyone, including community leaders, business owners, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and wealthy individuals, to support our brothers and sisters who are suffering from the flood disasters.
“Unity has always been our strength in Borno. In times like this, we must harness that strength and show empathy and compassion to each other.
“We are working closely with various federal government agencies, civil society organisations, and the Nigerian military to ensure that relief efforts are streamlined and effective.”
The governor, therefore, encouraged other stakeholders to collaborate with agencies to identify the best ways of providing assistance.
“Together, we can create a robust response plan that would address not only immediate needs but also long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.”
He noted that Borno has always been known for its resilience and the need to recover from the flood disasters that claimed people’s. lives and property. This is why, he said, the recovery process requires the collective innovative thinking commitments of stakeholders, agencies, and development partners.
Zulum called on the media to help raise awareness about the ongoing needs of the affected various communities.
“Your role in disseminating information about how individuals can help and where supports and interventions can be directed is invaluable,” he said.
He also thanked the Federal Government, the Nigerian military, under the leadership of the Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, and all the UN agencies.
