The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has commended the Federal Government for its initiative in establishing a disaster relief fund, describing it as a step in the right direction.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the establishment of the fund on Monday during its meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu to responding to emergencies, including flooding as part of efforts to better manage disaster preparedness and response in the country.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, told State House Correspondents that the fund would pool resources from various sectors to ensure timely intervention whenever disaster struck.
Reacting to the development, the apex Islamic body in Nigeria, in a statement signed by its Deputy Secretary-General, Professor Salisu Shehu, made available to Tribune Online in Abuja on Friday, noted that the establishment of the fund is long overdue.
The NSCIA expressed its expecation that, in addition to disaster/emergency management, a department/ unit of government should be saddled with the responsibility of undertaking disaster prevention.
According to the Supreme Council, such department/ unit should have the necessary mechanisms and frameworks to reduce to the barest minimum, if not fully prevent, the occurrence of disasters.
“The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, commends the Federal Government of Nigeria for its initiative in establishing a disaster relief fund which has received a nod from the Federal Executive Council.
“Though long overdue, the Council welcomes the development which aims to ensure rapid and efficient response to the needs of disaster victims nationwide. We actually consider it a right step in the right direction.
“The Council expects that, in addition to disaster/ emergency management, a department/ unit of government should be saddled with the responsibility of undertaking disaster prevention.
“The department/ unit should have the necessary mechanisms and frameworks to reduce to the barest minimum, if not fully prevent, the occurrence of disasters.
“Since a stitch in time saves nine, this initiative will go a long way in entrenching proactive and preemptive measures against disasters, not just reactive ones that are in place,” the NSCIA stated.
In another development, the supreme Council called on well-meaning Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike to support victims of the recent Maiduguri flood, while also enjoined those who are in positions to make major interventions in that regard.
“Meanwhile, barely two weeks after the unfortunate flood incident in Maiduguri, which, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), submerged 70% of the city and displaced over a million residents, the Borno State government has announced the opening of a dedicated Flood Relief Account to address the needs of the victims.
“The Council hereby calls on well-meaning Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike to kindly support the cause by contributing to the Account (Borno St. Flood Disaste Relief, Zenith Bank, 1313556461), while also enjoining those who are in positions to make major interventions in that regard.”
While praying for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the disaster and quick recovery of the injured, the NSCIA expressed confident that Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, would utilise the funds judiciously for the people.
“The Council is confident that the State Governor, His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, judging from his antecedents and having shown passion for the welfare of his people, would utilize the funds judiciously for the people.
“The Council, once again, prays that the Almighty Allah repose the souls of the departed and grant the injured quick recovery. It also prays that Allah replenish and grant succor to those who have lost their wealth and property in the sad incident,” it stated.
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