The recent flood disaster which ravaged Maiduguri and its environs has precipitated a challenging time for the residents. Apart from the collosal damage of buildings and infrastructural facilities such as bridges, Schools, Road network, food scarcity has been the major challenge, as the prices of available commodities skyrocketed.
Thankfully, the Federal government of Nigeria, through the Ministery of Agriculture and Food Security, has stepped in to provide some much-needed relief and succour to the victims.
Consequent upon this tragedy, the Borno State Government solicited for humanitarian support in order to cushion the effects of the flood victims.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Abba Kyari, after due consultations with the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Ahmad Bola Tinubu (GFR) secured the approval of the Federal Government to donate relief items to Borno State Goverment. These items were targeted to ameliorate the suffering of the victims. These donations valued at billions of Naira included:
a. 100 trailers of rice,
b.50 trailers of maize,
c. 30 trailers of sorghum,
d. 20 trailers of millet, and
e. 2000 water pump.
It will be recalled that the flood, which was caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam coupled with very heavy rainfall, affected over one million people and paralysed economic, medical and social lives of residents of Maiduguri.
Addressing the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum (mni), Senator Abu Kyari commiserated with the people of Maiduguri and Borno State over the loss of humans and livestock as well as the collosal damage of infrastructural facilities caused by the flood. He said that the Federal Government through his Ministry is leaving no stone unturned in order to find lasting solution to food scarcty in Borno State and Nigeria at large. Maiduguri. Furthermore, Senator Kyari said that the water pumps donated to the Borno State Government is a significant milestone in defending some of the seriously affected areas.
Senator Habu Kyari used the occasion to sincerely appreciate the President, H.E President Bola Ahmad Tinubu who paid on-the- spot assessment of the disaster immediately after his return from abroad. He thanked him for his timely interventions to give the victims and people of Maiduguri a renewed hope.
Also, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Kyari commended the personal efforts and commitment of the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima (GCON) during the flooding. Specifically, Senator Kyari recalled the active participation of Nigeria’s 002 inside the flood as he helped to evacuate trapped victims especially the very old and children. Such altruistic services are worthy of commendation.
Senator Abubakar Kyari equally commended the members of Nigerian military, the Police, Nigeria Civil Defence, State and Federal Fire services, Road Safety Corps, Civilian Joint Tasks Force (CJTF) for actively rescuing trapped victims during that ill-fated period. He also thanked those who responded financially or played crucial roles in providing support to the affected communities.
Responding on behalf of the State Government and the affected people of Maiduguri, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum (mni) thanked the Minister for proactively responding to avert major humanitarian crisis and promised to judiciously distribute the donated items.
From my critical view point, the Honorable Minister, Senator Abu Kyari, as fondly called, has a track record of achievements, despite his quiet nature and disposition. He has consistently demonstrated that Borno State comes as number one priority in his capacity both as a local and national leader. Distinguished Senator Kyari has garnered support for farmers in Borno State and had made several donations to cushion the plight of his fellow compatriots. Indeed, Borno is proud to be associated with him.
In fact, given Senator Abubakar Kyari’s visionary and leadership expertise and experience, he will make aformidable imprints in the anals of Borno State.
In conclusion, I am calling on Borno indigenes, well meaning individuals and friends of the State to emulate the good works of our amiable son, father and worthy ambassador, Senator Abubakar A A Kyari.
Thank you and may God bless us ALL.