North-East Development Commission, NEDC, has donated building materials and emergency rescue equipment to 13 flood-affected local government areas in Yobe State to boost disaster preparedness and support vulnerable communities.
Managing Director of the commission, Mr Muhammed Alkali made this known during the symbolic handover of the materials yesterday in Damaturu.
Alkali, represented by the Yobe Coordinator of NEDC, Professor Ali Abbas, said the donation was part of the commission’s commitment to strengthen the capacity of the state government to manage flood-related disasters and enhance humanitarian response.
“We are here to present building materials and search-and-rescue equipment to support communities affected by last year’s devastating floods.
“This intervention is a proactive measure in case of any future eventuality. It is also a complement to the ongoing efforts of the Yobe State government under Governor Mai Mala Buni,” he said.
According to Alkali, the affected LGAs include Bade, Jakusko, Fune, Fika, Gujba, Gulani, Potiskum, Nangere, Karasuwa, Yusufari, Machina, Nguru, and Yunusari.
He said the intervention also covers conflict-affected communities such as Katarko and Gurujaje in Gujba and Tarmuwa Local Government Areas, where herder-farmer clashes have displaced households.
He listed the donated materials to include 150 rain boots, 150 life jackets, 1,000 hauling ropes and hooks, 1,000 emergency cables and wires, 10 sets of boat safety gear, 15 complete search-and-rescue kits.
“These items are targeted at enhancing the operational capacity of Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, YOSEMA, which has consistently proven to be one of the most effective emergency response agencies in the country,” he said.
According to him, the distribution of the relief materials would be led by local government chairmen, supported by traditional and community leaders, local emergency committees, while NEDC officials would ensure transparency and equity.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mrs Marairo Amahi commended NEDC for its dedication and timely intervention.
Amahi also commended the Executive Secretary, Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Dr Mohammed Goje and his team for their dedication and timely response to disaster situations.
She recalled that following the November 2024 flood, Governor Buni had personally authorised the disbursement of N50,000 each to victims in 25 communities affected across the 17 local government areas, amounting to N1.43 billion.
Amahi urged religious and community leaders to ensure that the roofing and relief materials are used for their intended purpose and not diverted.
Also speaking, the executive secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency appreciated NEDC for the rescue equipment, describing it as a boost to the agency’s operational readiness.
Goje assured that the materials would be deployed responsibly in line with established emergency response protocols. (NAN)
