By Mohammed Abubakar Dutse
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has made available a financial relief package to the tune of N304 million to support 5,000 victims affected by the 2024 flood disaster in three local government councils in Jigawa state.
The figure included 2000 victims in Malam Madori; 1800 in Kirikasamma and 1200 in Auyo local government areas respectively all in Jigawa northeast senatorial district.
At the flagging off of the cash transfer at Ayuo local government headquarters the President of the Society Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga, said out of the registered 5,000 families in the state 3,000 families receiving agricultural assistance worth N150 million to enhance their farm yields.
“Additionally, 2,000 families will receive cash assistance of N154 million,” he said.
Adeaga emphasized that the Nigerian Red Cross Society’s support goes beyond just distributing aid, stating, “We’re not just distributing aid. We’re distributing dignity.”
He highlighted the organization’s commitment to reaching the most vulnerable members of society, including widows, people living with disabilities, and displaced families.
The NRCS President therefore stated that, “We’re reaching out to our most vulnerable – the widows who’ve lost everything, people living with disabilities, child-headed households, pregnant mothers, and displaced families.”
In his keynote address at the event, the Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Jigawa State Ministry of Special Duties, Alhaji Muhammad Bello commended the Nigerian Red Cross Society for their tireless efforts in supporting flood victims in the state.
Commenting at the event, Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) in Jigawa State, Bala Usman Chamo clarified the criteria used by the organization to select the beneficiaries.
Chamo, the immediate past chairman of Dutse local government council said, “When the floods occurred last year, 2024, in the affected communities, we took careful note of the data. This data served as the foundation for our selection process, ensuring that those who needed support the most received it.”
“In Jigawa State, we have the highest number of beneficiaries, with approximately 5,000 individuals receiving aid out of the 11,500 beneficiaries nationwide. The support ranged from N50,000 to N70,000, depending on the specific needs of each beneficiary.’
The State Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Tanko Yusuf Sununu, who was represented by his Special Assistant, Atiku Muhammad praised the Nigerian Red Cross initiatives, while underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing humanitarian challenges facing the nation.
Head of the Delegation, West Coast Cluster, Africa International, Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Bhupinder Tomar, highlighted the significance of the Society’s work in promoting humanitarian values and supporting vulnerable communities.
The chairman of Auyo local government council, Bilyamin Adamu, who spoke on behalf of the benefitting LGAs expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Red Cross Society for their support to their people.
He acknowledged the positive impact of the organization’s initiatives on the lives of flood victims in the state.
Aisha Sani, a beneficiary from Auyo local government expressed her gratitude to the Nigerian Red Cross Society for the support she received. “This support has brought hope back to my family. We can now start rebuilding our lives.” Aisha stated.
Another beneficiary Mansir Nadabo, a resident of Kirikasamma said “The Nigerian Red Cross Society’s assistance has been a lifeline for us. We appreciate their commitment to supporting vulnerable communities like ours.”
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