Gov. Buni Disburses N2.93 Billion to Flood Victims, Small Business Owners in Yobe
From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has disbursed ₦1.43 billion to 25,000 flood victims and vulnerable groups, along with ₦1.5 billion to 15,000 small-scale business owners.
The flag-off ceremony, held on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Damaturu, marked a significant step in the state’s recovery from the devastating floods that occurred between April and October 2024.
In his address, Governor Buni described the floods as unprecedented, affecting 441 communities across the state’s 17 local government areas. The disaster displaced over 20,000 households, claimed 34 lives, injured 386 people, and left more than 50,000 individuals without livelihoods. Public infrastructure, homes, farmlands, and livestock were severely impacted, with the estimated cost of recovery exceeding ₦20 billion.
Highlighting the government’s swift response, Buni detailed efforts to repair critical infrastructure, such as roads washed away by the floods, including the Damaturu-Bayamari highway and other vital routes connecting affected communities. Emergency relief measures were also implemented, including the distribution of N100 million in cash, food, and non-food items to those most affected.
During the ceremony, the governor launched a transformative programme to support flood victims and empower small business owners. Each of the 25,000 beneficiaries from vulnerable groups will receive N50,000 to help rebuild their lives, while 15,000 small-scale entrepreneurs will receive N100,000 each to boost their businesses, enabling economic growth and stability across the state.
Governor Buni underscored the significance of these initiatives, stating that they reflect the essence of governance: serving the people and improving their lives. He emphasized the use of the Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) programme, which ensures direct funds transfers to beneficiaries to prioritize their most urgent needs, promoting accountability, dignity, and economic recovery.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing free education, accessible healthcare, and economic opportunities for the less privileged. He also assured that preparations for the proposed Early Childcare Development Education Centre were progressing.
In his remarks, Buni expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the federal government for their unwavering support to Yobe State.
He urged beneficiaries to make effective use of the funds to rebuild their lives and contribute to the state’s economic recovery. These efforts, he said, demonstrate his administration’s dedication to restoring hope and fostering resilience among the people of Yobe.
