The Vice President Kashim Shettima has pledged the federal government’s commitment to tackling the menace of perennial flooding affecting parts of the country.
Senator Shettima made the commitment in interview with newsmen shortly after an assessment visit to Maiduguri, the Borno state capital which has been devastated by flood.
He emphasized that his visit was directed by President Bola Tinubu to express solidarity with the people and government of the state.
The Vice President assured that the federal government will mobilize all necessary resources to address the underlying causes of frequent flooding in the area.
He highlighted that President Tinubu is deeply concerned about the extent of the disaster and that strategies to mitigate both immediate and long-term causes will be introduced.
“The immediate priority is to provide relief, shelter, and support, and to offer renewed hope for a better future,” Shettima stated.
“I am accompanied by the Director General of NEMA and the Federal Commissioner of the National Refugees Commission to reinforce the President’s concern for the people of Borno. We will also be visiting other flood-affected states in the coming days.” He added
Senator Shettima had earlier visited the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi, where he conveyed the President’s condolences and announced the support of 50 truckloads of rice to flood victims in Maiduguri.
Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi thanked the Vice President for the timely visit, describing it as an act of God.
He seeked the intervention of the Federal and state government to engage the expertise of professionals to provide sustainable solutions to perennial flooding in Maiduguri metropolis and environs.
The Vice President was also at the Bakasi camp where he assured them of government support and assistance.
Senator Shettima was accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, members of the national assembly from the state, Director General National Emergency Management Agency, Federal Commissioner National Refugees Commission, Managing Director North East Development Commission and the APC Deputy National Chairman.