In response to the recent flood disaster in Maiduguri, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has swiftly established a 32-member committee to oversee the distribution of relief materials to flood victims. This decisive move follows the severe flooding caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam spillway on November 10, which resulted in numerous deaths and widespread destruction of property.
The announcement of the committee’s formation was made through a statement by Alhaji Bukar Tijjani, Secretary to the State Government. The committee will be chaired by Alhaji Baba Gujubawu, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Evaluation, while Prof. Ibrahim Umara from the University of Maiduguri will serve as Co-Chairman.
The committee is composed of a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from various government agencies, security outfits, and international organizations. Members include officials from the North East Development Commission, NEMA, SEMA, the Nigerian Police Force, EFCC, ICPC, DSS, and the NSCDC. Traditional and religious leaders, along with key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), are also part of the team. Additionally, representatives from United Nations organizations and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) operating in Borno State have been enlisted to ensure the distribution process is transparent and efficient.
The flood, which took Maiduguri and surrounding areas by storm, caused significant damage, leaving hundreds of families displaced and in need of urgent assistance. The full extent of the destruction is still being assessed, but the Borno government’s proactive measures aim to mitigate the impact of the disaster and provide relief to the affected communities.
Governor Zulum’s decision to include a diverse range of stakeholders highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring an equitable and coordinated response to the crisis. By incorporating international organizations and civil society, the government is striving for accountability and the efficient distribution of resources to those in dire need.
The establishment of the committee also underscores the importance of collaboration between government agencies and humanitarian partners in addressing the aftermath of natural disasters. With the involvement of entities like the North East Development Commission and the United Nations, the relief efforts will likely have a broader reach, providing essential aid to the flood victims in Maiduguri and beyond.
As the committee gets to work, residents of Maiduguri can look forward to the timely distribution of relief materials and support, which will hopefully ease the suffering caused by the flood. The Borno State government’s swift response is a critical step in addressing the immediate needs of those affected and in beginning the process of recovery for the region.
The formation of the flood disaster relief committee demonstrates the state’s commitment to providing relief and rebuilding the affected communities. In the coming days, the committee will coordinate with local and international partners to ensure that the flood victims receive the help they desperately need.