On Thursday, Katsina State received supplies from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for distribution to flood victims in 13 of the state's 34 local government units.
Sabuwa, Funtua, Danja, Musawa, Kusada, Zango, Katsina, Batsari, Batagarawa, Safana Musawa, Kankara, and Ingawa are the local government areas that are impacted.
The gift was made in Katsina by the minister of humanitarian affairs, disaster management, and social development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar-Farouq.
She claims that the commodities include 200 cartons of seasoning cubes, 100 kegs of vegetable oil (20 litres), and 3,000 bags each of grains, maize, and beans.
Others include 500 pieces of three-by-six-foot mattresses, 1,000 bags of cement, 100 (25kg) bags of 3-inch nails, 300 bundles of roofing sheets, and 100 packets of zinc nails.
Additionally, 4,000 pieces of Guinea brocade, 5,000 pieces of nylon mats, 2,000 pieces of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, 1,000 pieces of children's clothing, and 1,000 pieces of wax textile prints were displayed.
“These items are meant to complement the efforts of Katsina State government in providing immediate succour to victims and aid their speedy rehabilitation.
“The items are not for sale and should not be sold,’’ the minister warned.
She commended Gov. Aminu Masari for providing the first line of support to the victims and for constructing more culverts and drainages to address flooding.
“We are also aware of personal donations made by individuals to provide immediate succour to those affected.
“The public is reminded and encouraged to avoid practices that can block drainages and should communally participate to maintain them for sustained effectiveness,’’ She advised.
In response, Governor Masari thanked the minister and NEMA for their cooperation, adding it would significantly lessen the difficulties victims faced.
Alhaji Tasi'u Maigari, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, was the governor's representative. He gave the assurance that the administration would not give up on efforts to enhance citizens' welfare.
Alhaji Mustapha Habib-Ahmed, Director-General of NEMA, answered questions from reporters and suggested that all states create local emergency committees to handle disaster management.
In order to ensure free flow of water, he urged locals to refrain from putting trash in drainage channels and urged the committees to strive toward reducing disasters.