The Federal government, on Wednesday, donated the sum of N2 billion and 20 trucks of grains to victims of the Mokwa flood disaster, in Niger state, with a promise to help rebuild the community.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made the promise, when he visited the flood ravaged community, even as he assured the people that the federal government will stand by them in the aftermath of the devastating floods that recently swept through the community, leaving a trail of destruction.
Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Office of the Vice President, said in a statement, that the Vice President also promised the affected residents immediate federal government intervention and a renewed commitment to sustainable disaster management policies nationwide.
Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, had during his visit to the flood-hit community, described what happened in Mokwa as ” a sorrow that has touched every stretch of the nation.”
The statement said Vice President Shettima was received by Deputy Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba; the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Yahaya Abubakar, and members of the Niger State Executive Council.
“Mokwa has always stood as a vital crossroads in Nigeria’s geography and commerce. It is an agricultural hub and a cultural stronghold that connects the North and the South. This makes your pain a shared national burden. While this disaster is devastating, it will not define you. We will rebuild. We will restore the vibrancy for which Mokwa is known,” he assured.
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Addressing residents, the Vice President conveyed President Tinubu’s direct commitment to immediate action, announcing that the President has ordered immediate intervention to provide succour to the affected community.
He stated: “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sends his heartfelt condolences and stands in solidarity with you during this trying time. He has directed immediate action to assess the damage and provide the necessary support to aid your recovery.
“We came to you today not just as your political representatives and leaders, but as fellow Nigerians deeply moved by the tragedy that has befallen your community. Our hearts ache for the lives lost, the homes destroyed, and the livelihoods disrupted.”
Beyond immediate relief, VP Shettima outlined the government’s commitment to preventing future disasters, saying “the Federal Government remains committed to addressing the ecological challenges that have contributed to this crisis.”
Shettima called for a united national response and stronger preventative measures, adding that “In times like these, we are reminded that a tragedy in one part of our nation is a sorrow shared by all. The preservation of life, whether threatened by natural calamities or human actions, is a responsibility we all share.”
He also demanded long-term commitment to environmental resilience and sustainable development, noting that “the greatest honour we can give to those we have lost in this regrettable tragedy is our commitment to a future where such disasters are reduced through proactive measures and sustainable practices.”
Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, who represented Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, thanked the federal government for standing with the state in its moment of grief.
According to him, “Within 24 hours, NEMA were on the ground physically to ascertain what happened to us and to ensure that such a rescue mission was carried out practically. And we cannot thank them enough,” he said.
He said the visit by the Vice President was a reassurance of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the well-being of the people.
Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Traditional Council, in his remarks, commended the Vice President for coming to console the people in person, thanking President Tinubu for directing the immediate release of interventions to the affected communities.
The Federal Government delegation included the Minister of Information & National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, both of whom are from Niger State.
