ECOWAS, Red Cross deliver $906,205 Aid to vulnerable Nigerians across six states
KUNLE SANNI
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has revealed that it has supported the Nigerian government with a $906,205 US dollars aid for the vulnerable people affected by the flood disaster of 2022 across six states.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by ECOWAS and the Red Cross on Wednesday.
In his remarks, the representative of the ECOWAS Commission, Godfrey Alozie noted that this ECOWAS initiative has moved from an ECOWAS of States to an ECOWAS of people as ECOWAS now deals directly with citizens and plans to do more to help governmentsimprove the standard of living of their citizens and strengthen their resilience on the path of recovery with dignity.
“Floods wreaks havoc and exposes us to losses. ECOWAS is a proactive organization and will be spending $2m in counter terrorism operations and its stabilization fund’.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mr Abel Enitan was positive about the development.
“The 2022 Floods had a devastating impact on most communities across the country but thanks to the Nigerian government and it’s partners, especially ECOWAS and the Nigerian Red Cross, which has enabled substantial progress in addressing the needs of the affected communities.
The project has provided food items and multipurpose cash assistance and boreholes in the selected communities.”
ECOWAS Commission allocated funds for the most impacted victims in six states of Adamawa, Anambra, Kogi, Kebbi, Oyo, and Rivers.
The Grand Finale of the Flood Response of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was held in Fufore Local Government Area (LGA), Adamawa State of Nigeria.
The ECOWAS Commission’s support for the vulnerable people affected by the flood disaster of 2022 across the six states of Adamawa, Anambra, Kebbi, Kogi, Oyo and Rivers States was an initiative facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation with the Nigerian Red Cross Society playing the role of implementing partner.
The beneficiaries were selected through a transparent process with the vulnerable households identified. Each household received 25kg of rice, 15kg of garri, 12kg of beans, 5 liters of palm oil and 5 liters of vegetable oil and a debit card with 91.500 naira with a withdrawal limit of 30,500 per month. After the distribution, a borehole was also officially launched to ease the community’s access to clean water.
The Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by his Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Reintegration and Humanitarian Services, Barrister Bello Diram hailed the initiative and pledged the support of the Government of Adamawa State to all humanitarian initiatives both now and in the future. Your choice of Adamawa States demonstrates the profound comprehension of the regions needs and potential, he stated.
To round up the distribution, President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga saluted ECOWAS, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and the Adamawa State Government in their support and commitment to Humanitarian services.
In his words, “The Nigerian Red Cross stands ready to assist, support, and to rebuild. We are here not just for today, but for as long as it takes to restore hope and dignity to those affected by the floods and other disasters. Our mission is clear: to alleviate human suffering and to be a beacon of hope in times of despair.”
