FG pledges support as VP Shettima visits flood-ravaged Mokwa

Innocent RaphaelJune 4, 2025

1 minute read

IMG 20250604 WA0011 — Vice President Kashim Shettima (middle); Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba (2nd right); Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (3rd from left); and Minister of Information & National Orientation, Mohammed Idris (2nd from left) during an on-the-spot assessment of the recent flooding that has affected parts of Mokwa, Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State on Wednesday (04/06/2025).

…announces N2bn relief package

By Kunle Sanni

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday visited Mokwa, a community in Niger State devastated by recent floods, where he pledged the Federal Government’s full support for recovery and long-term rebuilding efforts.

The visit, which followed severe flooding that displaced thousands and destroyed property, marked a major relief mission as the Federal Government announced a donation of N2 billion and 20 trucks of grains to assist affected residents.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima arrived in Mokwa around 12:30 p.m. and was received by top state officials, including Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Yahaya Abubakar, and members of the Niger State Executive Council.

In his address, the Vice President described the flood as a national tragedy, emphasizing Mokwa’s strategic importance as both an agricultural and cultural hub. “While this disaster is devastating, it will not define you. We will rebuild. We will restore the vibrancy for which Mokwa is known,” he assured the crowd.

Shettima conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to immediate and long-term intervention. “The President has ordered an immediate assessment of the damage and swift deployment of relief materials,” he said.

Beyond emergency aid, the Vice President highlighted plans to address underlying ecological issues and reinforce the country’s disaster preparedness. “We must honor those we’ve lost by ensuring such tragedies are mitigated in the future through proactive, sustainable policies,” he added.

In a show of gratitude, Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, standing in for Governor Umar Bago, thanked the Federal Government for its quick response. “Within 24 hours, NEMA was on the ground. We appreciate the urgency and compassion shown,” he said.

Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman Gawu, and Special Adviser to the Governor, Murtala Bagana, echoed similar sentiments, describing the Vice President’s visit as a morale booster for the grieving community.