By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, has announced a donation of N2 billion to assist victims of the recent devastating flood in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Dangote explained that while the Presidential Committee on Flood and Disaster, which he chairs, has committed N1 billion, the Dangote Foundation will add another N1 billion.
“We have a Presidential Committee on Flood and Disaster, which I chair. They have already committed about N1 billion, and the Aliko Dangote Foundation will give another N1 billion. We will definitely release these N2 billion as early as this coming week,” Dangote said.
The announcement was made on Friday during a sympathy visit to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum in Maiduguri, following the flood disaster that affected the state.
In addition, Africa’s richest man called on other corporate Nigerians to support the Borno State government in addressing the widespread destruction caused by the flood in Maiduguri and its environs.
“This is truly overwhelming; it is disastrous. I have never witnessed this kind of devastation. I think it will take a herculean effort over the coming days and weeks to restore things to normal. Many houses will not survive because they’ve been submerged, weakening their foundations,” Dangote said.
“I am calling on all corporate Nigerians to step up and support because the government cannot handle this alone. We must ensure that people do not continue to suffer. Some have been trapped in their homes for the last three days. It has deeply touched my heart to see how people are suffering.”
“We will continue to mobilize additional funds and resources to alleviate the suffering of our people,” he added.
Dangote was accompanied by the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule.
In response, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum expressed his gratitude to Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his generous support to the people of Borno.
