Governor Urges Collective Efforts, Laments Profound Impact
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Borno State Governor, Prof. Umar Zulum, on Friday issued a strong appeal for support from NGOs, national and international organizations, and wealthy individuals to aid victims of the recent flood disaster in the state. He described the destruction as devastating and beyond measure.
In a statewide broadcast, Governor Zulum lamented the profound impact of the flood, which he called a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced in the region. He emphasized that recovery from such a disaster cannot be the government’s responsibility alone but requires collective effort from all stakeholders.
“Fellow citizens of Borno State, in the past few days, we have witnessed devastating floods like never before. Streets, homes, offices, and businesses have been submerged, and immeasurable property has been lost. Countless lives have been upended,” the Governor said.
Prof. Zulum expressed deep empathy for those affected, acknowledging the pain, loss, and uncertainty many are experiencing. He assured residents that the government is committed to doing everything possible to assist those in need.
“The magnitude of the destruction from this devastating flood cannot yet be fully quantified until the water recedes and on-the-spot assessments are conducted. We will establish a multi-stakeholder committee to undertake a sector-by-sector assessment of the losses to guide the recovery and rebuilding process,” he added.
Governor Zulum called on community leaders, business owners, non-governmental organizations (national and international), and wealthy individuals to come together in support of those suffering.
“Unity has always been our strength in Borno. In times like this, we must harness that strength and show empathy and compassion to each other. We are working closely with various federal government agencies, civil society organizations, and the Nigerian military to ensure that relief efforts are streamlined and effective,” he stated.
The Governor urged other stakeholders to collaborate with state agencies to identify the best ways of providing assistance, aiming to create a robust response plan that addresses immediate needs as well as long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“Borno has always been known for its resilience, and we must rely on this to rebound from this disaster. Our recovery process will require innovative thinking and a commitment to rebuilding lost infrastructure and homes,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of leveraging this calamity as an opportunity to invest in sustainable practices and infrastructure that can withstand future natural disasters.
“As we embark on this journey of recovery, I call upon the media to help raise awareness about the ongoing needs of our communities. Your role in disseminating information about how individuals can help and where support and interventions can be directed is invaluable,” Zulum urged.
The Governor extended his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has stepped up to provide humanitarian support, particularly the federal government, the Nigerian military under the leadership of the Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, and all UN agencies that have shown tremendous support and commitment.
“Your humanitarian gesture is invaluable and has not gone unnoticed. While we work towards providing immediate relief, let us come together to create a brighter future for the people of Borno State,” he concluded.
