By Ishaq Zaki
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), on Thursday in Gusau, donated relief materials worth millions of naira to victims of flood and windstorm disasters in seven Local Government Areas of Zamfara.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara flagged off the distribution of the items to the beneficiaries at Zamfara Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
The Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Abdulqadir Ibrahim-Bello, Representatives of the donor humanitarian organisations, and NEMA officials witnessed the exercise.
In his remarks, the DG of NEMA, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, represented by the Coordinator, Sokoto Operations Office of the Agency, Aliyu Kafindangi said the relief materials comprised food, non-food items and building materials.
Umar noted that the windstorm and flood incidents led to the destruction of houses, farmlands and livelihoods, thereby displacing many families and exposing them to humanitarian challenges.
“In response, NEMA in collaboration with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other critical stakeholders, carried out a rapid assessment to determine the extent of damage and the immediate needs of the affected communities.
“The Federal Government approved the release of the relief items,” she said.
According to her, the food items comprised 700 (25kg) bags of rice, 700 (25kg) bags of maize, 700 cartoons of spaghetti, 70 cartons of vegetable oil, 70 cartons of seasoning cube and 70 bags of iodized salt.
“The non-food items include 700 pieces of blankets, 700 pieces of wax prints, 700 pieces of guinea brocade and 300 pieces of mattresses.
“The building materials comprised 600 bags of cement, 350 bundles of roofing sheets, 80 packets of zinc nail and 80 bags of 3-inch nail,” she said.
Umar further said that the items were provided to provide immediate support and help stabilise the living condition of the victims while longer-term recovery efforts continue.
She warned that the relief materials were not for sale and must be distributed strictly to verified beneficiaries in line with established guidelines.
“I wish to sincerely appreciate the Zamfara state government under the administration of Gov Dauda Lawal for his unwavering support, proactive collaboration and commitment to effective disaster management.
“We also appreciate the strong synergy between NEMA, the State Emergency Management Agency, traditional institutions, security agencies and humanitarian partners in the state.
“We appreciate all stakeholders of disaster management in the state for serving as a model for a coordinated emergency response.
“We also appreciate the effort of community leaders, volunteers and stakeholders for ensuring a peaceful mobilisation and transparency in this exercise.
“A nation’s disaster reminds us of the importance of preparedness, mitigation and community resilience,” Umar said.
She, therefore, urged residents to read early warming messages, avoid high-risk areas and always cooperate with relevant authorities to reduce disaster impacts.
She reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to supporting Zamfara and other states in strengthening disaster preparedness, response and recovery mechanisms.
Umar added that the intervention underscores the federal government’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of disaster -affected populations and restoring the hope of the people in times of distress.
Gov. Lawal commended the federal government for the gesture and assured the judicious distribution of the materials to the targeted beneficiaries.
He promised his administration’s commitment to partnering with the federal government’s agencies to provide succour to the victims of disasters and banditry. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)