LAGOS, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Lagos state Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday, announced a donation of N150 million towards the alleviation of the plight of victims of Boko Haram insurgency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
He made the presentation of N50 million to each of the states during the maiden National Council of Stat (NCS) meeting of the present administration presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Ambode told members of the council that Lagos was moved by the suffering of victims of Boko Haram activities affecting not only states in the north east, but also other parts of the country.
The governor said his state saw the insurgent activities as traumatic to the people and sympathised with the three northern states mainly affected, noting that the donation was to ameliorate the plight of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the states.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that the emergence of Boko Haram and its devastating activities is a single challenge facing us as a nation. Though, the insurgence is basically limited to the north-eastern part of Nigeria, the effect is felt everywhere across the states of the federation.
“Recently, at the just-concluded 21st National Economic Summit of the National Economic Summit Group (NESG) in Abuja, Secretary to the Government of the Federation presented a graphic and heart-rending report of the extent of damage and social trauma brought about by insurgency in the region.
“Lagos State views insurgency and natural disasters as hardships that leaves traumatic experiences. We commiserate with the three northern states and share the pains and discomfort of our brothers and sisters.
“We also commend our president for the renewed commitment of the Federal Government to bringing insurgency to a logical conclusion by the year end. Our security agencies also deserve commendation for their gallantry, courage and resolve to ensure that the directive of the president and indeed the wish of all Nigerians is achieved.
“Notwithstanding the hard times resulting from the current economic situation, we have resolved to show leadership and compassion to the plight of our brothers and sisters in North-Eastern Nigeria.
“It is therefore in demonstration of our commitment towards bringing succour and relief to thousands of the IDPs that we present this donation of N50 million each to the governments of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.
“We use this opportunity to call on all Nigerians including corporate organisations and other public spirited individuals to reach out at this time and alleviate the pains of our compatriots in this part of Nigeria.”
Credit: Tribune (Nigeria)
