Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has confirmed the receipt of N4.4 billion in donations as part of the relief funds following the recent flooding in the state.
The governor made this known on Monday while inaugurating the disbursement committee for the relief packages for the flood victims at the council chamber of the Government House in Maiduguri, the state capital.
“So far, we acknowledge a pledge of N13,195,500,000. However, as of yesterday (Sunday), we have received a total of N4,441,494,902.81.
“All allocations to this account will be made public in due course,” Zulum stated.
He also urged the committee to ensure transparency in its operations.“To the members of the committee, I urge you to approach this task with diligence and integrity. We must be accountable for every resource entrusted to us,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of transparency, Zulum said “we must ensure that every naira allocated for relief is used effectively and reaches those who are suffering.”
The governor also directed that all allowances for committee members would be paid by the state government and not from the relief funds.
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He further noted that the state government would ensure the rehabilitation of public facilities such as hospitals, roads, and bridges, while providing necessary financial support to those affected.
Meanwhile, Governor Zulum had earlier appointed the committee members, which include representatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the Department of State Services, among others.
More than 400,000 people have been uprooted from their homes across the state and tens of thousands of children are crammed into the buildings that have avoided damage, such as schools, as well as displacement camps after being hit by the worst floods in 30 years.
The heavy rains which led to a breach in Alau Dam, submerged half of the entire city of Maiduguri, killing many and thousands in displacement.
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