Borno govt commends CATAI, partners for support, 3,000 women affected by flood

By Ladi Dapson, Maiduguri

The Borno State Government has applauded the Center for Advocacy Transparency and Accountability Initiative and its partners for supporting the 3,000 households affected by a devastating recent floodwater disaster in the state. 
 
The State Flood Relief Disbursement Committee Chairman, Baba Gujubawu, expressed the applause during the distribution of relief items by the center to the beneficiaries in Maiduguri on Tuesday, November 12.
 
The Zonal National Emergency Management Agency in charge of Borno and Yobe States, Surajo Garba, said the flood committee appreciated individuals, corporate bodies, donor agencies, and NGOs that supported the Borno people at their darkest moments. 
 
“I would say, on behalf of the committee, that we appreciate this kind gesture that CATAI, Oxfam, and the DRA have done,” he said, adding, “We appreciate this kind and generous support that will go to over 3,000 women that have been identified as part of those that are affected.”
 
Garba described Nigeria as a country of generous people who are always ready to assist their fellow Nigerians in situations of distress, such as the Maiduguri flood.
 
“The committee has been receiving overwhelming support from donors, good Nigerians, corporate organizations, and a host of others,” Garba disclosed.
 
Also speaking, the Executive Director of CATAI, Sadiq Abubakar, noted that the effect of recent flood disasters in Maiduguri and its environs was too huge to be left for the government alone.
 
This situation, he said, advised Oxfam, DRA, and CATAI to compliment the effort of the government alleviating the hardships the victims of the flood were plunged into by reaching out to 5,000 of the victims in Borno state.
 
“We provided non-food items to victims of the flooding across old Maiduguri and Dalori; the support was rendered in partnership with the Borno State Flood Response Committee, where they identify and assist over 3000 beneficiaries,” he said. 
 
“This will go a long way to assist those that are affected, most especially the women,” the NEMA official said, explaining, “This response includes people living with special needs and women heads of households across the affected population.
 
The items include cooking pots, wheat sprints, solar touch lamps, wrappers, cooking pots, mats, cups, blankets, and mosquito nets. 
 
Garba said 2000 households also received multipurpose cash assistance across Taumusuri and Tamsukumdu Ward in Falatari and Yusufari communities in MMC, the State Capital.
 
He thanked the Dutch Relief Alliance and Oxfam, which supported the intervention.