Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) and the National Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation (PCFRR) has donated N1 billion to support the victims of the recent flood in Maiduguri, Borno State. Additionally, the PCFRR, which Dangote chairs, has also contributed another one billion Naira to aid those affected by the disaster.
During an inspection of the flood-stricken areas on Friday, Dangote, who is also the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, expressed his deep empathy for the victims. He described the extent of the disaster as “mindboggling” and stated he had “never seen a disaster of this scale before.”
Dangote called for increased support from other Nigerians and stakeholders, emphasizing the urgent need for infrastructural development, including repairs to houses and roads, to help people rebuild their lives. He urged corporate organizations to contribute to the relief efforts, noting that the government alone cannot address all the needs.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum praised Dangote’s generosity, acknowledging his significant contributions to the state’s development. Zulum expressed gratitude for Dangote’s visit and encouraged others to follow his example of charitable giving.
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The flood has displaced over one million residents and resulted in approximately 30 confirmed deaths. Mr. Barkindo Mohammed, Director-General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), reported that as of 5 p.m. on Thursday, 3,683 people had been evacuated in a rescue operation, which continues. Various rescue methods, including boats, canoes, and military assistance, are being used as floodwaters recede.
Mohammed added that SEMA has established 14 official camps and several informal camps for displaced persons. The Federal Government has provided N3 billion in support, and Governor Zulum has allocated additional funds to SEMA. This aid extends beyond Maiduguri to affected Local Government Areas across the state.
In December 2022, the Dangote-led PCFRR had already begun distributing relief materials worth N1.5 billion to flood victims nationwide. The PCFRR, established by the Federal Government after the 2012 floods, is co-chaired by Dangote and legal expert Dr. Olisa Agbakoba.
