In a gesture of solidarity and support, Nigerian senators have donated N74 million to aid the victims of the recent devastating flood that struck Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, announced the donation on behalf of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, during a visit to Maiduguri on Tuesday.
The donation was disclosed in a statement by Ismail Mudashir, the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity. According to Barau, each of the 108 senators contributed N500,000, totaling N54 million. In addition, Barau personally donated N10 million, while the Northern Senators Forum contributed another N10 million, bringing the total to N74 million.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State received the senators, who expressed their sympathy and support for the affected residents. Senator Barau conveyed the Senate’s condolences, highlighting the significance of the disaster not just for Borno but for the entire country.
“Your Excellency, we are here to register our condolences and commiserate with you and the entire state over the ugly flood incident in this beautiful Borno last week,” Barau said. He emphasized that the Senate, as a collective body, recognizes the gravity of the situation and aims to provide relief to those impacted.
He also noted the Senate’s tradition of showing support in times of crisis, saying, “It’s our tradition, normally in an occurrence such as this, even if the father or a leader came to register his condolences, that doesn’t stop those that are under him to go individually or collectively and commiserate with the victims.”
The senators’ donation is part of a broader response to the flood disaster, which has led to significant loss and damage in Maiduguri. Barau offered prayers for the quick recovery of those injured and for those who lost their properties to regain them soon.
This act of support reflects the Nigerian Senate’s commitment to standing with communities in times of disaster, demonstrating a unified response to aid in the recovery efforts and to help restore normalcy to the affected areas.
