As devastating floods ravaged a Nigerian State, displacing 52,000 residents and leaving a trail of destruction last year, Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri is seeking international support to alleviate the suffering of the affected communities.
The governor explained that while 52,000 people were displaced, no fewer than 13,944 houses were damaged and over 10,722 hectares of farmland destroyed.
Speaking at a meeting with a Swiss delegation in Yola, the state capital, on Tuesday, Mr Fintiri commended Switzerland’s ongoing support for victims of insurgency and displacement through partnerships with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the UN Migration.
Mr Fintiri emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing flood risks, implementing disaster management strategies, and building capacity for local communities.
To mitigate the impact of floods, Mr Fintiri called for innovative flood prevention solutions and sustainable funding sources. He added that strengthening early warning systems and adopting proactive responses are key priorities for the state government in preventing future flood disasters.
On his part, Siamak Rouhani, the deputy Swiss ambassador to Nigeria, acknowledged the recurring flood challenges in Adamawa State and reaffirmed Switzerland’s willingness to provide technical assistance.
