The Kaduna State government on Monday flagged off distribution of livelihood relief items to victims of 2018 flood hazard donated by the National Emergency Management Agency.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 20,222 people were displaced by flood in 60 communities across 14 local government areas of the state in 2018.
A total of 12,454 houses and several farmlands amounting to more than N4.6 billion were lost during the period.
Governor Nasir El Rufai said in a message to the distribution ceremony in Kaduna, said all victims would receive appropriate support from government.
The governor, who was represented by Ben Kure, Executive Secretary, Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency said: “The Kaduna state government really appreciate the gesture of NEMA who supported the victims. It goes to show that the agency cares”.
He said: “We have put in place measures in place to ensure adequate supervision so that the items donated get to the affected victims.”
He mentioned the items donated to include; 250 sewing machines, 250 water pumps and 250 grinding machines.
The governor called on residents to clear their drainage all times and ensure they heed to early warning signals on flooding, issued by the agency.
Isaiah Chinoko, North West Zonal Coordinator NEMA, said the flood of August to September 2018 damaged several properties which led to loss of means of livelihoods and jobs.
He said the aid from the federal government was for those who lost their means of livelihood, and was not a compensation but palliatives to cushion the impact of the flood.
He said: “The agency carried out assessment to ensure that the items meet the needs of the affected victims.”
Chinoko called on the victims to not to sell the items but to put them to good use to sustain themselves.
Fatima Mohammed, a beneficiary, commended the agency for the gesture, but urged the government to proffer lasting solution to flood menace in the state, and empower victims with skills and funds to start up life.