NSCIA commends FG on establishment of disaster relief fund to ensure rapid, efficient response to victims

Stanley Ihedigbo

Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for its initiative in establishing a disaster relief fund which has received a nod from the Federal Executive Council.

According to the Deputy Secretary-General, NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehu, though long overdue, the Council welcomed the development and considered it a right step in the right direction.

“The Council expects that, in addition to disaster/ emergency management, a department/ unit of government should be saddled with the responsibility of undertaking disaster prevention. The department/ unit should have the necessary mechanisms and frameworks to reduce to the barest minimum, if not fully prevent, the occurrence of disasters.

“Since a stitch in time saves nine, this initiative will go a long way in entrenching proactive and preemptive measures against disasters, not just reactive ones that are in place.
Meanwhile, barely two weeks after the unfortunate flood incident in Maiduguri, which, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), submerged 70% of the city and displaced over a million residents, the Borno State government has announced the opening of a dedicated flood relief account to address the needs of the victims,” he explained .

He further said that the Council hereby calls on well-meaning Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike to kindly support the cause by contributing towards, while also enjoining those who are in positions to make major interventions in that regard.

“The Council is confident that the State Governor, His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, judging from his antecedents and having shown passion for the welfare of his people, would utilize the funds judiciously for the people.

“The Council, once again, prays that the Almighty Allah repose the souls of the departed and grant the injured quick recovery. It also prays that Allah replenish and grant succor to those who have lost their wealth and property in the sad incident,” he stated.