The Body of Bank Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) has donated relief materials to victims of recent floods in Niger State, pledging continued support for affected communities.
The Governor of Niger state, Mohammed Bago, received the items at the state house in Abuja on Saturday from the body, led by its chairman, Oliver Alawuba, who is also the Group Managing Director/CEO of United Bank for Africa (UBA).
Mr Alawuba noted that the relief materials, including bags of rice, beverages, vegetable oil, and mattresses worth millions of naira, are aimed at supporting families affected by the floods in Mokwa Local Government Area.
Other CEOs and executives of banks at the presentation included: the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank, Adaora Umeoji; the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Akin Morakinyo; the Managing Director/CEO of Keystone Bank, Hassan Imam; and the Managing Director of TAJ Bank, Hamid Joda.
Recent floods wreak havoc in Mokwa
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), torrential rains triggered severe flooding in Mokwa, a commercial hub in Niger State, on 29 May, killing at least 162 people, injuring eleven, and leaving many missing.
It also recorded that 3,018 people were affected, with over 1,500 displaced as homes were destroyed and critical infrastructure, including farmlands, roads, and bridges, was damaged.
Speaking at the presentation, Mr Alawuba expressed sympathy for the affected communities, describing the donation as part of the banking sector’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and humanitarian support in times of crisis.
“Today, we stand with the people of Niger state in their time of need. We want you to know that we feel your pain and we give you our firm resolve to assist in rebuilding lives. This donation is just the beginning; we pledge continued collaboration with the Niger state government to ensure long-term recovery and resilience,” he assured.
Governor commends gesture
Governor Bago commended the banking sector for its timely intervention, noting that the donation would help ease the suffering of affected families.
“This gesture reinforces the critical role of private-sector partnerships in disaster response. On behalf of the good people of Niger State, particularly the affected families in Mokwa, I extend our sincerest thanks for this timely and compassionate intervention.
“The recent floods in the state brought immense hardship to the people but the banking sector has demonstrated that beyond financial stewardship, they are true partners in national development and humanitarian service. We are grateful for this support and look forward to a deeper collaboration in safeguarding our communities against future challenges,” Mr Bago said.
He added that the gesture serves as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the unwavering support of Nigeria’s financial institutions in times of need. “It reassures our people that they are not forgotten,” he said.