By Ebenezer Mabinuola
In a bold and compassionate move following the devastating floods that swept through Mokwa, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has announced a ₦1 billion relief intervention aimed at rebuilding lives and restoring dignity to affected communities.
The governor made the announcement during a personal visit to the flood-ravaged area, where he pledged not only financial assistance but a comprehensive, people-centered recovery plan.
The flood, triggered by prolonged torrential rainfall, left a trail of destruction – submerging homes, displacing thousands, and damaging essential infrastructure.
Mokwa, a key agrarian hub in southern Niger State, has faced recurring flood threats in recent years, but the 2025 incident is widely regarded as one of the most destructive in recent memory.
Governor Bago’s administration responded swiftly, dispatching emergency teams and coordinating with local leaders to assess the extent of the damage.
At the heart of the state’s response is a ₦1 billion emergency fund earmarked for immediate humanitarian support. Alongside the cash commitment, the state government is delivering truckloads of essential grains – rice, beans, maize, millet, and sorghum – to stabilize food supply in affected areas.
A total of 10 trucks per commodity are being deployed in the first phase, with more support expected as assessments continue. The goal, according to the governor, is “to ensure that no family goes hungry and that every displaced person is accounted for.”
To ensure orderly and transparent distribution, Governor Bago has set up a high-level emergency response committee chaired by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba. The committee is tasked with overseeing the equitable disbursement of funds and relief items, with a focus on reaching the most vulnerable – women, children, and the elderly.
The governor emphasized that the committee would work closely with community heads, faith-based organizations, and local councils to eliminate favoritism and mismanagement.
Beyond immediate relief, Governor Bago announced a sweeping resettlement initiative to permanently relocate flood victims from high-risk zones. The Niger State Ministry for Lands and Survey has been directed to allocate plots and issue Certificates of Occupancy for new homes. The state is working with federal authorities to develop these new settlements using climate-resilient building standards.
Governor Bago made it clear that all funds – whether from state coffers, donor organizations, or individual philanthropists – will be subject to public scrutiny. “We will publish every donation and expenditure. Every naira must reach the people it’s meant for,” he said.
He also advised residents to heed environmental warnings and avoid settling near flood-prone waterways, underscoring the importance of public awareness in disaster prevention. In a unique step, the governor called on Islamic educators and community leaders to maintain clear records of pupils and dependents, making tracing and rescue efforts easier during emergencies.
Mokwa residents, though still reeling from the shock, expressed gratitude and hope.
