Billionaire industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has donated N1.5 billion to assist victims of the devastating floods that ravaged Maiduguri in Borno State.
Dangote made the announcement during a visit to assess the damage caused by the floods in Maiduguri.
The donation comes as a massive relief to the residents who have been grappling with the aftermath of the disaster that destroyed homes, farmlands, and infrastructure.
Accompanied by the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, Dangote expressed his commitment to supporting the people of Borno in this time of need.
He revealed that out of the N1.5 billion donation, N1 billion would be handed over to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to work alongside the Borno State government in the relief effort.
“I just want to clarify, we have this flood committee,” Dangote said. “NEMA wrote us a letter, so we sat down and approved N1 billion for NEMA to work with the Borno State government.”
The additional N500 million will be provided through the Aliko Dangote Foundation to further bolster the relief efforts.
“On top of that, the Aliko Dangote Foundation will put additional N500 million, so that’s N1.5 billion,” Dangote added, addressing a gathering of officials and flood victims.
This gesture from Dangote is seen as part of his longstanding support for humanitarian efforts, particularly in Borno, a state that has faced various crises over the years, including the ongoing insurgency by Boko Haram.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, expressed his gratitude for the generosity of Dangote and Governor Sule, noting that the donation would go a long way in alleviating the suffering of the flood victims.
“Not everyone that has money has the heart of giving,” Zulum said, praising Dangote for his constant support. “Aliko Dangote has been helping our people, this is not the first time. I pray that Allah will reward you with Aljannah.”
Zulum also acknowledged the presence and contribution of Governor Sule, who not only accompanied Dangote to the state but also donated trucks filled with relief materials to support the recovery effort.
“I would like to thank my brother, Gov Abdullahi Sule, who came along with Aliko Dangote to visit us at this trying moment,” Zulum added.
Governor Sule had earlier announced his contribution of an unspecified number of trucks loaded with relief items to help alleviate the hardship faced by the people of Maiduguri.
The Nasarawa Governor said his government is keen on assisting other states facing difficulties and expressed hope that the relief materials would help in bringing much-needed respite to the flood victims.
This show of solidarity by both Dangote and Sule has been widely praised, particularly given the scale of the disaster, which has left thousands displaced and in dire need of help.
The flooding, which occurred in Maiduguri and surrounding areas, was caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam, located just 10 kilometers from the city center. The heavy rains caused a surge of water from the Ngadda River, leading to widespread destruction.
In the wake of the disaster, government agencies and NGOs have been working to provide immediate relief to those affected, but the scale of the damage has made recovery efforts challenging.
This donation is not the first time Aliko Dangote has come to the aid of Borno State. His foundation has been actively involved in various humanitarian efforts in the region, including providing food and shelter for displaced persons due to insurgency and natural disasters.
The Aliko Dangote Foundation, established in 1993, has been at the forefront of numerous philanthropic activities across Nigeria, with a focus on health, education, and emergency relief.
Over the years, Dangote’s generosity has earned him widespread recognition as one of the country’s leading philanthropists, and his contributions to Borno State, in particular, have been deeply appreciated by both the government and the people.
Governor Zulum noted that Dangote’s continued support had helped the state in navigating some of its most challenging moments, including the ongoing fight against insurgency.
“The people of Borno State will never forget your kindness,” Zulum said. “You have stood by us through thick and thin, and for that, we are eternally grateful.”
The floods in Maiduguri are part of a larger pattern of severe flooding across several parts of Nigeria, as the country faces the dual challenges of climate change and poor infrastructure.
In response to the increasing incidents of flooding, the Federal Government, through NEMA, has been coordinating efforts to mitigate the impact of the floods and provide assistance to affected communities.
Earlier this year, NEMA issued warnings about the possibility of floods in several high-risk states, including Borno. The warnings were based on the annual flood outlook released by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which identified Borno as one of the states at risk due to heavy rainfall and the overflow of rivers and dams.
Despite these warnings, the floods still caused significant damage, underscoring the need for more proactive measures to prevent such disasters in the future.
Zulum urged other philanthropists and well-wishers to follow the example of Dangote and contribute to the recovery efforts in Borno State.
“This is a time for unity and compassion,” Zulum said. “Our people need all the help they can get, and I encourage others to step forward and lend a helping hand.”
