By Nabilu Balarabe
GOVERNOR Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has flagged off the disbursement of N2.93 billion to 40,000 flood victims and small-scale business owners in the state.
Buni said on Wednesday in Damaturu that 25,000 of the beneficiaries were victims of 2024 floods and vulnerable groups, while 15,000 others were small-scale business owners.
The governor said that the event was to launch and present the state government’s support initiatives to empower our citizens, rekindle their hope, and strengthen their resilience in response to the horrific impact of the 2024 flood disaster.
“As you are aware, Yobe State recorded unprecedented floods between the months of April and October this year. A total of 441 communities across the 17 local government areas were affected, with over 20,000 households displaced.
“Sadly, we lost 34 lives to the floods, 386 others were injured, and over 50,000 individuals lost their means of livelihood,” he said.
The governor said each of the 25,000 flood victims and vulnerable individuals would receive N50,000 support, while a N100,000 grant was earmarked for each of the 15,000 benefiting small-scale business owners.
Buni said his administration had rehabilitated critical roads destroyed by the flood, including the Damaturu-Bayamari, Kariyari, Jumbam, Koromari-Bayamari, Geidam-Bukarti, Katarko-Gujba, and Tarajim.
He said the state, the Federal Government, and development partners had disbursed N100 million in cash to the most affected flood victims in addition to food and non-food items earlier distributed in the worst-hit areas.
“These initiatives reflect the guiding principles of our administration: to protect the vulnerable, empower our citizens, and create pathways for self-reliance and prosperity.
“By investing in the flood victims, vulnerable groups, and small business owners, we are addressing immediate recovery needs and laying the foundation for long-term economic resilience.
“The Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) programme we propose aligns with global best practices and addresses the diverse needs of our citizens.
“We deliberately adopted direct fund transfers to empower the beneficiaries to prioritise their most urgent needs and promote dignity, accountability, and economic recovery,” the governor added.
He commended the resilience of citizens and the dedication of various government establishments tirelessly working together to provide succour to the people.
Buni expressed gratitude to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government as well as international and local development partners for their unwavering support to the state. (NAN)
