Financial support to 2024 flood victims

Protocols,

All praise is due to Allah (SWT), who has made it possible for us to gather here today for this important occasion—the flag-off ceremony to provide financial support and assistance to our brothers and sisters who have been severely impacted by the devastating floods experienced across Katsina State this year. We are here to extend a helping hand to those who have been left vulnerable by this natural disaster, and I thank Almighty Allah for granting us the opportunity to be of service to our people.

As many of you are aware, the 2024 rainy season brought both blessings and challenges to our state. On one hand, we were fortunate to witness a bumper harvest, which will contribute significantly to the state's food security and agricultural productivity. On the other hand, however, this same rainy season was marked by heavy and continuous rainfall, leading to widespread flooding that ravaged several local government areas across Katsina State.

The consequences of these floods have been devastating. Homes, farmland, roads, and public utilities were severely damaged, leaving hundreds of residents displaced and worsening environmental degradation, especially in already vulnerable areas. Entire communities have been affected, and the road to recovery for these individuals has been difficult. The extent of the damage cannot be overstated.

In response to this disaster, the Katsina State Government took immediate action by setting up technical committees, including representatives from the State Ministry of Environment, Local Government Areas, and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). These teams conducted field visits to affected areas to assess the extent of the damage, identify the most vulnerable victims, and gather data that would guide our response efforts. After thorough verification, it was confirmed that hundreds of households had been directly affected by the flooding.

Ladies and gentlemen, It is important to note that the scale of this disaster—both in Katsina State and across the nation—requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders. This is not a challenge that government alone can tackle; it requires the support and collaboration of federal, state, and local governments, as well as the active involvement of well-meaning individuals of our communities.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Federal Government has stepped in to provide much-needed assistance. As part of the federal intervention, the sum of Three Billion Naira (₦3 billion) has been allocated to all the states to support those affected by the floods. This funding is aimed at providing relief to the victims and helping them rebuild their lives.

Following the careful verification process, it was established that a total of 1,067 individuals across the state are in need of support. Of these, 439 victims whose homes were completely destroyed by the flood will each receive the sum of ₦600,000 while 628 victims whose homes sustained significant damage will receive the sum of ₦300,000. The total financial support allocated for these victims stands at ₦451,800,000.

In addition to the monetary aid, the Katsina State Government is equally committed to ensuring that those affected receive comprehensive support. In light of this, the state government has procured building materials worth ₦200,000,000 which will be distributed to 1,772 victims whose houses were partially damaged. This is part of our ongoing effort to help these individuals rebuild their homes and restore their lives.

Furthermore, the government has set aside ₦2,913,146.69 for emergency flood and erosion control projects across several locations in the state. These projects will include the construction of concrete-lined drains, box culverts, vehicular access slabs, and laterite filling and reclamation works, as well as masonry-lined drains and spillways. These measures are aimed at mitigating the risk of future floods and ensuring that our communities are better protected from such disasters.

Distinguished guests,

It is my firm belief that these projects will go a long way in preventing future occurrences of severe flooding in our state. This administration from inception to date assisted more than 20,000 flood victims with household items, building materials and cash assistance. The state government has also demonstrated a strong ecological commitment through several initiatives aimed at addressing environmental challenges. The government has implemented a range of interventions focused on combating erosion and menace of flooding. These efforts include the payment of over Six Hundred and Thirteen Million Naira only (N613,000,000) to various contractors for the ongoing flood and erosion projects phase v across 34 LGAs of the state.

In collaboration with Federal and International partners, the state government has also prioritized the construction and management of major world class storm water drainages in Katsina, Jibia, Malumfashi and Funtua LGEAs with commitment of 1 Billion Naira (N1,000,000,000) counterpart funds and progressive payment to contractors of the project of over 5 billion Naira (N5,000,000,000) in the ACReSAL projects.

Through these effort, the Katsina State Government has not only promoted environmental sustainability but also contributed to improving the livelihoods of its citizens, ensuring a more balanced ecosystem and laying the foundation for long-term climate resilience.

May I add that if not for these efforts and project of the state government, the devastating impact of flooding will have been worst there by causing more hardship on our people.

However, I must emphasize that the success of these efforts depends on the cooperation of the people of Katsina State. I urge all residents to comply with building regulations and obtain the necessary permits before constructing homes or other structures. Many of the flood-related issues we face today are due to illegal constructions and blockages of natural waterways. By adhering to these regulations, we can reduce the risk of future disasters and protect our communities.

In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Federal Government for its timely intervention, and to all the agencies and individuals who have worked tirelessly to assess the damage and provide the necessary support to our people. I also thank the people of Katsina State for their patience and resilience in the face of this disaster. Together, we will rebuild and emerge stronger.

May Allah (SWT) continue to protect and bless us all.