President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Alieu Omar Touray on Thursday disclosed plans to donate the sum of N640 million to victims of flood disaster which occured in Borno and Bauchi States, respectively.
Breakdown of the donation showed that the sums of N320 million is earmarked for Borno State and N320 million to Bauchi State, respectively.
Dr. Touray who was represented by the ECOWAS Commissioner Human Development and Social Affairs, Professor Fatou Sow Sarr announced the donation in Abuja during a courtesy visit to Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Professor Sarr said: “The President of the Commission equally wishes to extend his heartfelt condolences to all Nigerians on the unprecedented flood disasters that have claimed the lives of hundreds of people, displaced huge populations and destroyed properties worth trillions of Naira in its wake. The staff of the Commission as well as entire region send their sincere commiseration to the affected population and to Nigeria as a country.
“For many years, the ECOWAS region has experienced extreme weather conditions due to climate change and other related factors. Floods threaten lives, inundate properties and belongings, damage vital infrastructure and prevent access to essential public services. Often, the effects of floods are long-term, leaving populations and communities fragilized, with weakening coping thresholds.
In the event of this disaster the Government of Nigeria has demonstrated its resoluteness to accompanying population even in times of need.
“The Commission congratulates the Government of His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on its immediate response to the situation and the continued humanitarian assistance to the victims and communities affected. The ECOWAS Commission stands firmly with the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in these difficult periods.
“To demonstrate our solidarity to the people of Nigeria, especially the victims and the communities affected, and to address the immediate effect of the disaster, critically affecting women, children and other vulnerable groups with thousands of people in need of humanitarian services such as food, shelter, water, sanitation, emergency health and protection needs, the ECOWAS Commission is donating :
“The sum of over N320 million for assistance to the victims of the flood in Borno State. The sum of over N320 million for assistance to the victims of the flood in Bauchi State.
“ECOWAS is delighted to inform you that we are committed to our humanitarian principles and will maintain our assistance to Nigeria and other Member States in times of humanitarian emergency.”
The ECOWAS Commission President also called for enhanced synergy and collaboration with the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in delivering humanitarian assistance.
While expressing the Commission’s gratitude to Nigeria, he reiterated commitment to work with the present administration in its quest to bring succour to the population in distress.
While speaking, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mr. Abel Enitan showered encomium on the ECOWAS Commission for the support to assist victims of floods and other emergencies to supplement what have been already done by Federal Government and States to help the victims rebuild their lives.
While appealing that the funds should be released in good time for utilisation, the Permanent Secretary assured the Commission that the Ministry would ensure accountability and transparency in the implementation of the fund by engaging critical Implementing Partners for the right targeting.
Mr. Enitan who solicited for further assistance from the Commission and other Development Partners observed that the flood affected not only Borno and Bauchi States but other States across the country.
According to him, as part of ongoing to avert th disaster, he explained that flood alert has been issued by relevant government agencies and need to be proactive in the bid to forestall future occurrences.
and then