Borno flood committee disburses N18 billion to 101,330 households   

The Chairman of the committee, Baba-Bukar Gujibawu, disclosed this on Monday while presenting the committee’s report to Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri.

Gujibawu explained that the committee had received N18.2 billion in donations through a basket fund supported by the federal and state governments, corporate organisations, and individuals.

He added that of the N18.2 billion received by the committee, N10 billion was contributed by the Borno State Government.

Gujbawu said that in addition to that, the committee had received donations of drugs, medical supplies, food, and other essential items worth billions of naira.

The Chairman, who thanked the governor for not interfering in the activities of the committee, listed beneficiaries of the funds to include traders, worship centres, private schools and clinics.

“The committee allocated N987 million to assist 7,716 traders in affected markets; N313 million to 814 worship centres; N213 million to 267 private schools; N89.4 million to 1,788 youths who contributed during the flood, and N12.5 million to 22 private clinics,” he said. 

The committee advised that the remaining N4.45 billion in its account be used to rehabilitate roads in flood-hit areas of Gongulong and Old Maiduguri roads while the remaining food and non-food items should be distributed to host communities.

Governor Zulum, who promised to implement the committee’s recommendations, ordered the immediate establishment of a permanent disaster response structure at the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), as suggested by the committee’s report.

He also instructed the Secretary to the State Government to develop a plan for accurately documenting street names and house numbers across all communities within the state capital and surrounding areas.

In addition, the Ministry of Works has been tasked with the urgent reconstruction of road networks damaged by floods in various communities.

The governor expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its support to the victims of the Maiduguri flood disaster, particularly praising President Bola Tinubu for his compassion and assistance to the people of Borno during the crisis.