Borno Government scales down independence day celebration

The Borno government has scaled down this year’s Independence Day celebration.

This is in light of the recent devastating flood disaster that struck Maiduguri Metropolis and other surrounding local government areas (LGAs).

The announcement was made on Monday by the state commissioner for information and internal security, Usman Tar, who emphasised the need for collective reflection and solidarity during this difficult time.

Mr Tar said that the decision was made as part of an effort to reflect on the challenges faced by the state and provide support to those affected by the disaster.

He said that the floods, which occurred earlier in September, caused widespread destruction, displacing hundreds of families and damaging critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, roads, and bridges.

Gov. Babagana Zulum, in a statement quoted by Mr Tar, expressed deep sympathy for those affected by the floods and called on the people of Borno to unite in prayer.

“The governor urged citizens to focus on recovery efforts while marking the country’s Independence Day.

“While we celebrate our nation’s independence day, we must, however, focus on supporting and standing in solidarity with those affected by the September 10 flood disaster.

”Let us take this time to pray for recovery and strength, not only for Borno state but for all of Nigeria,” Mr Zulum said.

He further reiterated that the state government is committed to redirecting resources towards the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure and providing necessary relief to affected families.

“Efforts are currently being coordinated with the flood relief disbursement committee to ensure efficient and timely distribution of aid,” he said.

Mr Zulum assured the public that the government would continue to prioritize the well-being of its citizens, especially those impacted by the disaster.

On Sept. 10, 40 per cent of Maiduguri was flooded due to a breach of the nearby Alau Dam.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the deaths of 37 persons and injuries of 58 persons were reported.

OCHA said the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who registered in one of some 30 camps increased to close to 400,000 people within a week.

At least 18 of these camps were schools, which contributed to the government’s decision to close some of the camps within a week to enable the reopening of schools in late September.

As of Sept. 20, the government announced that 16 camps remained open, while the authorities distributed 25 kg of rice and a carton of pasta for a fortnight to those leaving camps that were closed.

IDPs whose homes were not inhabitable were encouraged to seek shelter in host communities or in one of the camps that would remain open the longest – Bakassi, Teacher’s Village, and Gubio.

(NAN)