FG Pledges N2bn, Grains for Flood-Hit Mokwa as VP Shettima Visits

Mokwa, Niger State – Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday assured the people of Mokwa of the federal government’s unwavering support in the wake of devastating floods that have wreaked havoc on the community. The Vice President announced an immediate federal government intervention, including a donation of N2 billion and twenty trucks of grains, to aid the affected residents.

Arriving in Mokwa at approximately 12:30 PM, VP Shettima was received by Niger State Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Yahaya Abubakar, and members of the Niger State Executive Council.

During his visit, Vice President Shettima expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, describing it as a national burden. “Mokwa has always stood as a vital crossroads in Nigeria’s geography and commerce. It is an agricultural hub and a cultural stronghold that connects the North and the South. This makes your pain a shared national burden. While this disaster is devastating, it will not define you. We will rebuild. We will restore the vibrancy for which Mokwa is known,” he pledged.

He conveyed President Tinubu’s direct commitment to immediate action, stating, “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sends his heartfelt condolences and stands in solidarity with you during this trying time. He has directed immediate action to assess the damage and provide the necessary support to aid your recovery.”

Beyond immediate relief, VP Shettima outlined the government’s commitment to proactive disaster management. “The Federal Government remains committed to addressing the ecological challenges that have contributed to this crisis,” he affirmed, calling for a united national response and stronger preventative measures. He emphasized that the tragedy underscores the shared responsibility of preserving life and called for a long-term commitment to environmental resilience and sustainable development.

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Niger State Governor Umar Bago, represented by his deputy, Yakubu Garba, extended gratitude to the federal government for its swift response, noting that NEMA officials were on the ground within 24 hours of the disaster. He stated that the Vice President’s visit was a clear reassurance of President Tinubu’s dedication to the well-being of the people.

Similarly, Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman Gawu, and Special Adviser to the Niger State Governor, Mr. Murtala Bagana, commended the federal government for its rapid intervention and the Vice President’s consolatory visit, describing the flood as a national tragedy.

The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Traditional Council, HRH Yahaya Abubakar, also thanked the Vice President for his personal visit and acknowledged President Tinubu’s directive for immediate assistance to the affected communities.
Accompanying the Vice President were the Minister of Information & National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, both indigenes of Niger State.