Zulum earmarks N20bn for infrastructure, flood victims

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum on Saturday announced the allocation of N20 billion to reconstruct the infrastructure damaged by the September 10 flood disaster and assist the victims.

The flood affected parts of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and its surrounding local government areas.

Zulum made the announcement at the Council Chamber of the Government House while inaugurating the committee to determine the cause of the Alau Dam’s collapse.

Fifty percent of the fund, which is N10 billion, will be allocated for direct assistance for the flood victims with a view to providing them with the needed support to pick up the pieces of their lives.

The governor directed that the N10 billion be credited to the state’s relief account and handled by the disbursement committee, including the EFCC and ICPC as well as security agencies.

The remaining N10 billion, as directed by the governor, was handed over to the state’s Ministry of Works and Housing.

Zulum expressed gratitude to the federal government for its tireless support during the flood disaster.

“Let me use this opportunity to commend the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for all the support, from the quantum of food donated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture,” he said.

The governor equally appreciated individuals, state governments, corporate entities, INGOs, and NGOs for supporting Borno in its time of need.

“I want to also commend everyone who has contributed to our basket fund,” the governor stated.