By Prosper Mene
Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago, the wife of Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, visited victims of the devastating flood disaster in Mokwa Local Government Area on Monday, announcing a personal donation of N50 million to support relief efforts. The contribution, made on behalf of herself and her family, aims to provide solace to those affected by the catastrophic flooding that has claimed numerous lives and displaced thousands.
The floods, described as the worst in Mokwa in over 60 years, swept through communities like Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa, destroying homes, farmlands, and critical infrastructures, including the Mokwa Bridge. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) reported over 150 deaths and more than 3,000 displaced residents, with search and rescue operations ongoing to recover bodies and assist survivors.
During her visit, accompanied by the Chief of Staff and state commissioners, Hajiya Fatima expressed deep sympathy for the victims, hinting her stand of solidarity with the affected families. “We are here to condole with the victims of the recent flash flood disaster in the communities in Mokwa LGA, and to take assessments of the situation,” she stated. Her donation adds to the state’s relief efforts, which include food and non-food items provided by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other partners.
The First Lady’s gesture has been widely praised on social media, with many describing her as a compassionate leader committed to supporting her people in times of crisis. Governor Bago, through his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to reducing future floods by constructing stormwater drainage systems in Mokwa and Mashegu.
The Mokwa flood disaster has drawn national attention, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dispatching a federal delegation and former presidential candidate Peter Obi donating N20 million to support victims. Hajiya Fatima’s contribution shows the urgent need for collective action to address the growing threat of climate-induced disasters in Nigeria.
