Yobe flood victims get N2.93bn support
By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
The Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, on Wednesday began the distribution of N2.93 billion financial assistance to 25,500 flood victims and vulnerables groups in the state.
According to him, the intervention is to support them to rebuild their lives and regain stability after the devastating floods that swept through the state from April to October.
Gov. Buni noted that 441 communities were affected by the flood, which displaced over 20,000 households.
He added that 34 deaths and 386 injuries were recorded, while over 50,000 individuals lost their means of livelihood.
The Governor recalled that the government had in a swift response to the disaster, distributed food, non-food items, and ₦100 million in emergency funds to the most affected victims.
He explained that the new intervention for 25,500 flood victims and vulnerable groups include providing financial assistance of ₦50,000 to each beneficiary, while 15,000 Small Business Owners and entrepreneurs will receive ₦100,000 each to grow their businesses and sustain their livelihoods.
According to him, these initiatives reflect the guiding principles of his administration, which include protecting the vulnerable, empowering citizens, and creating pathways for self-reliance and prosperity.
He reiterated his commitment to the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which aims to provide support to women, people with disabilities, the elderly, and other vulnerable persons.
Gov. Buni assured that the government would continue to provide free education, accessible and affordable healthcare delivery, technological advancement, and economic incentives to empower less privileged persons in the state.
One of the beneficiaries, Babagana Butu thanked the governor for the support, saying it will ease their pains and provide them with a means of livelihood.