Yobe: The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Yobe Branch, has distributed N77,000 to each of the 1,000 victims affected by the 2024 flood disaster across the Fune, Bursari, and Gulani local government areas (LGAs) of the state.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, each beneficiary received an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card preloaded with N77,000 as part of efforts to support livelihood recovery. Dr. Mulima Mato, Yobe Chairman of the NRCS, stated that the intervention, funded by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent, aims to assist victims in rebuilding their lives. Mato emphasized the importance of this financial aid in helping victims restore their livelihoods and move forward.
Dr. Mato further expressed gratitude to the state government for providing an enabling environment for humanitarian operations. Malam Garba Alhaji-Mai, the state Secretary, highlighted the society’s volunteer strength, noting that over 5,000 trained volunteers are prepared to respond to disasters and epidemics across the state’s 17 LGAs.
Malam Hassan Yusuf, NRCS National Representative, urged beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously and cautioned against giving any portion of it as gratification. He mentioned a similar intervention conducted by NRCS in Machina, Yusufari, and Gulani the previous year, expressing appreciation for the Yobe Government’s continued support and calling for further collaboration.
Governor Mai Mala-Buni, represented by Deputy Alhaji Idi Gubana, noted that the state government had spent N169 million on relief materials for flood victims statewide. He stated that N100 million had been distributed to victims in Karasuwa, Nguru, and Nangere LGAs, emphasizing that the current cash support would help victims resettle after the disaster.
Dr. Mohammed Goje, Executive Secretary of Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), affirmed the government’s commitment to disaster preparedness and resilience. Represented by Dr. Jalo Mohammed, Director of Rescue Operations in the agency, Goje highlighted that the intervention goes beyond cash distribution, focusing on restoring hope and rebuilding livelihoods. Beneficiaries were encouraged to use the funds wisely.
