By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Ed- Vice President Atiku Abubakar has donated the sum of N100 million to assist the victims of the recent flood that ravaged Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Abubakar’s donation was made known in a statement issued by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, on Sunday.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, in his visit, also paid a courtesy visit to the state governor, Prof Babagana Zulum at the Government House, where the donation to the flood relief fund was announced.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency, more than 23,000 households have been hit by the rapid rise of waters following the weekend rupture of the Alau Dam on the Ngadda River, 20km south of Maiduguri.
The flood began after the dam overflowed following heavy rains leading to the town’s worst flooding in 30 years, according to the United Nations Human Rights Refugee Council and Maiduguri Metropolitan Council residents.
The statement partly read, “The Waziri’s generous gesture is a testament to his unwavering dedication to humanitarian efforts,” adding that the former VP also “called upon his network of friends and associates to contribute further to the relief efforts.
“This gesture mirrors Atiku Abubakar’s previous humanitarian initiatives, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he mobilised support from his circle to address urgent needs.”
Upon his arrival at Maiduguri airport, Atiku was received by the Senators representing Borno North and Borno Central, Mohammed Monguno and Kaka Lawan, respectively.
In his remark, the governor appreciated the kind gesture of the PDP chieftain, saying, “The people of Borno deeply appreciate this show of solidarity.”