The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has donated the sum of N640million to the Federal government to assist flood victims of Borno and Bauchi States.
The ECOWAS President, His Excellency Dr. Omar Alieu Touray represented by the ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Professor Fatou Sow SARR disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation on Thursday 26th September, 2024, in the Ministry’s headquarters, Abuja.
Prof. Sow Sarr, said the delegation was in the Ministry to pay a solidarity visit in respect of the recent flood disaster in Bauchi and Borno states.
She informed that the visit was to extend the commission’s condolence to the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the unfortunate flood disaster in Bauchi and Borno states and to appreciate the Ministry for helping in launching ECOWAS humanitarian assistance to the victims of humanitarian disasters.
She announced that Borno and Bauchi States will benefit three hundred and twenty million Naira (N320m) each from the donation by ECOWAS Commission to assist towards the floods.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Abel O. Enitan, in his response commended the ECOWAS Commission for the gesture and commitment to support and supplement the efforts of the Federal and State Governments already put on ground in respect of the devastating floods.
He said the financial assistance symbolises the commission’s solidarity with Nigeria during challenging times. “It further demonstrates your support for the administration of our visionary leader and President, Bola Ahmd Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of ECOWAS.
“Your coming here this morning is well noted and appreciated and it is a reminder that we have a dependable and trusted ally that can help to comfort, empathise and support our efforts to make live more meaningful for our citizens”.
Enitan appealed to the Commission to release the funds in good time for utilisation and assure the Commission that the funds will be used judiciously in a transparent and accountable manner.
He said credible partners will be engaged to implement the programmes or activities that will be identified based on needs assessment and right targeting so that the funds are used for the intended purposes.
He disclosed that Borno and Bauchi states were not the only states affected by floods. There have been reported cases of flooding in other states and flood alerts have been issued to prepare the people to take proactive measures.
He also solicited for support and assistance to build and strengthen climate resilience for citizens to prepare and cope effectively in the face of emergencies.
In a vote of thanks, the Director Humanitarian Affairs, Valentine Ezulu, commended the Commission for their continued support over the years in assisting vulnerable citizens affected by disasters in the Country and solicited support for other states.
Present at the event were Directors of the Ministry, officials of the ECOWAS Commission, ECOWAS National Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Permanent Mission of Nigeria to ECOWAS.
Iliya Rhoda Ishaku
Deputy Director, Information and PR
