David Arin, North
DAILY COURIER — In a significant intervention to alleviate the plight of victims of the 2024 Bauchi floods, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has provided $200,000 in funding to support 1,000 affected households across six local government areas. The relief effort was implemented under the ECOWAS Emergency Flood Response project, coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction (FMHAPR).
The grand finale ceremony of the project was held on January 8, 2025, at the Government House in Bauchi State. The Honourable Minister of State for FMHAPR, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, represented by Mr. Ezulu Valentine, Director of Humanitarian Affairs, highlighted the devastating impact of the floods, which displaced families, uprooted livelihoods, and left a trail of destruction in its wake.
Targeted Relief Distribution
Dr. Sununu stated that the relief package included food items, non-food supplies, and cash assistance. Beneficiaries received a mix of essentials, including 25kg of rice, 12kg of beans, 15kg of garri, 5 liters of palm and groundnut oil each, one treated mosquito net, one blanket, a jerry can, and a cash transfer of ₦75,000.
The project targeted six of the most affected local government areas:
Katagum (100 households); Jama’are (150 households); Zaki (150 households); Gamawa (300 households); Giade (150 households)
and Kirfi (150 households).
The list of beneficiaries was curated by the Bauchi State Government and validated by the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) to ensure fair and accurate targeting.
Regional and Federal Collaboration
Commending ECOWAS for its funding support, Dr. Sununu emphasized the importance of regional solidarity in addressing humanitarian crises. “This collaboration underscores the power of collective action to overcome shared challenges,” he said. He also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ECOWAS National Unit, and the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to ECOWAS for their advocacy, which facilitated the funding.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Professor Alieu Touray, represented by the Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, noted that the intervention was a complement to efforts already made by the Bauchi State Government. She urged stakeholders to continue working together to support vulnerable populations.
In her welcome address, Bauchi State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajia Hajara Yakubu Wanka, highlighted the state’s routine efforts to provide palliatives. She noted that Bauchi North bore the brunt of the floods, and the state government had complemented ECOWAS’ intervention with additional relief materials for 150 households in Bauchi LGA.
The Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Aminu Hammayo, commended ECOWAS and other partners for their support. He urged local governments to initiate preventive measures, such as sensitization campaigns and proper drainage construction, to mitigate future flooding risks.
The Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Ambassador Musa Nuhu, through Dr. Victory Jaja, called on communities to take proactive measures against flooding, including clearing waterways and adhering to weather forecasts.
The President of the NRCS, Prince Oluyemisi Adetayo Adeaga, emphasized the collective responsibility of humanitarian efforts. He announced plans to decorate Governor Bala Mohammed as the state patron of NRCS and urged residents to join the society to extend support to vulnerable populations.
The ceremony’s high point was the presentation of relief materials to beneficiaries by dignitaries, including commissioners, traditional rulers, and representatives of various agencies.
The 2024 Bauchi floods underscored the importance of regional and local collaboration in addressing natural disasters, and this intervention marks a significant step toward rebuilding and recovery.
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