The Nigerian Government says like never before, this is the time to extend a hand of friendship and love to the victims of flooding across the country.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Nasir Sani-Gwarzo made the call in Abuja, Nigeria when a private organisation, The Care Pack Family, in collaboration with Business Visa and Training Company donated some relief materials to victims of flooding through the Ministry.
According to him, the gesture is not only timely, but appropriate and thoughtful.
He said despite the efforts by the Nigerian Government through the Presidential Task Force, there’s need to prepare for the rainy day owing to the evolving nature of the catastrophe.
“When we have an evolving problem, you bring out everything you can to resolve the situation, but also you continue to acquire more in case the disaster evolves beyond what you have and we don’t want to be taken unaware. We want to be ready, even at the end of the crisis, we don’t want to be totally exhausted and that’s why I said our doors are open. Not because we’re insufficient, but because it’s part of planning to prepare for the worst and pray for the best” Sani-Gwarzo said.
Responding to question from Voice of Nigeria on the worth of donations received so far, Sani-Gwarzo noted that the data will soon be released for the public to know
“No I cannot, because they trickle in and we are summing them up. It’s something that’s totally recorded, very transparently and when the figures are tallied, we will release them to the public. We’ll not just mention the disaster impact, we will also mention the support we’ve received. It’s part of transparency and we’ll do that”, the permanent Secretary explained.
Commending the Organisations for their kind gesture, Sani-Gwarzo said the content were thoughtfully packaged for the situation at hand.
He also commended the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air force and the Nigerian Red cross for their relentless efforts in ensuring that help gets to the victims in time.
For his part, the Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mustapha Ahmed Habib said “you’ve set the pace and I’m happy even the development partners that are sending their support are towing that line. Look at what you brought? We’re really proud. And look at the colour codes of your bags, including a reflector bag that can help trace people when they’re venturing outside rains”, he said.
Presenting the relief items, the Director, Operations and Supply Chains of the Care Pack Family, Omowunmi Imoukhuede, said the government cannot do all by itself.
“We at the Care Pack Family, are dedicated to supporting the private sector, government, all agencies when it comes to making sure that people have the right essential products and food and beverages that they need to have good livelihood,” Imoukhuede emphasised.
The co-donor, Business Visa and Trainings Company said it was a moment of extension of love to those in need.
He however, said there’s need for Made in Nigeria products to be patronised for the economic growth and sustainability of the country.
One thousand packs of different sizes and contents were donated for onward distribution to the victims.
The items donated included raincoats, mosquito nets, torchlight, edibles and toiletries.
