*Present N210m raised from individual donations
By; SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri
Deputy Governor of Borno State, Hon Umar Kadafur and Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume on Tuesday, led a powerful delegation of emirs, former Deputy Governors and stakeholders from nine local government areas of Southern Borno Senatorial District, where they offered their heartfelt sympathy to Governor Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi over the unfortunate flood disaster that ravaged the entire 70 per cent of the Maiduguri city.
The incident which started last Monday evening, left thousands of people dead, many others still missing, with displacement of over two million people and critical infrastructure worth billions of Naira destroyed.
Introducing the purpose of the visit to Governor Zulum at the Government House, Senator Ndume who represents the zone at Red Chambers, said, “sequel to the live broadcast last week, where the governor seek for assistance from well-to-do individuals, the leader of Southern Borno, Kadafur summoned a meeting of stakeholders of the zone, where it was unanimously agreed that willing people in Southern Borno from Nigeria and in Diaspora should contribute to a dedicated account (NORDISK GENERAL VENTURES, ZENITH BANK 1228484797)”.
Presently he said, as at Tuesday morning, over N200 million have been credited from various donors, in which, the Delegation were at the Government House to sympathise with the Governor, Government and the good people of the state, and to also present a cheque of N200 million to the state government to assist in managing the plights of the displaced victims.
Presenting the Cheque to Governor Zulum, the Deputy Governor Kadafur thanked all those who have contributed their widow’s mite in one way or other, which shows the kind of brotherhood that exists between the Government and the people of Southern Borno.
“We are here Your Excellency on behalf of the Southern Borno people. We are not here alone, but with four of our Emirs of Biu Alhaji Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, Uba, Alhaji Ali Ismaila Mamza, Shani, Alhaji Nasir Mohammed Mailafiya and Gwoza Local Government Area, Alhaji Mustapha Idrissa Timta and many other stakeholders.
“First, is to commiserate with you and the victims of the devastating flood disaster, and secondly to Pray Allah (God) to grant Aljannatul Firdaus to Souls of those who have died and wish the injured ones quick recovery.
” We are also here to present a dommy cheque of N200 million to the State Government Flood Basket Fund. We want to assure you that you are not alone, as the people of Southern Borno are strongly behind you in this trying moment”. Kadafur said.
He also told the governor that more donations are still expected, which would be channeled judiciously to the state government in providing relief items to the victims and the rebuilding process.
Responding Governor Zulum expressed his deep appreciation to the Deputy Governor and the entire people of Southern Borno for not only coming enmasse to pay him sympathy, but also donated a quantum amount, which would be used transparently for the purpose intended.
He therefore enjoined the people to unite, as according to him, without unity, there is no progress in all ramifications.
While at the Shehu of Borno’s palace which was also affected and hitherto submerged for the past four days before it was drained, Kadafur presented another Dommy Cheque of N10 million contributed to the Monarch to assist in the running and fixing of some property destroyed in the palace.
The Royal Father who gave a little background of the Alau Dam which caused the flood after it collapsed, appreciated all the Southern Borno People, especially those who have donated out of their pockets to complement efforts of the state government and the Emirate in its recovery after the incident.
He prayed Allah to bless all those who have contributed in one way or the other since the incident happened.
In a related development, Kano based Business Mogul, Alhaji Aminu Al Hassan Dantata has visited the state where he sympathized and gave his personal donation of N1.5 billion to the state Government.
Likewise, members of the Borno State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan has offered their condolences to Governor Zulum and presented a wholesome donation of N60 million. End
