The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has handed over a substantial consignment of relief materials to the Adamawa State Government for onward distribution to victims of the recent flash floods that wreaked havoc across seven communities in Yola South Local Government Area.
The official handover ceremony, which took place at the NEMA Central Store in Yola, was a swift response to the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had earlier called for prompt and adequate support for citizens affected by natural disasters across the country.
Representing the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, at the occasion was the North East Zonal Director of the Agency, Mr. Sulaiman Yakubu. In his address, Mr. Yakubu reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering commitment to timely and effective disaster response. He emphasized that the relief materials were part of broader national efforts to cushion the impact of natural disasters and assist displaced persons in rebuilding their lives.
“The federal government, through NEMA, is fully committed to providing timely humanitarian support to Nigerians affected by emergencies. This intervention is not just about distributing items; it is about restoring dignity, offering hope, and supporting the recovery of communities in distress,” Mr. Yakubu stated.
In a goodwill message conveyed through Mr. Yakubu, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, praised the strong partnership between the federal and state governments in addressing humanitarian challenges. She urged stakeholders involved in the distribution process to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability, stressing the importance of prioritizing the most vulnerable, including women, children, the elderly, and people living with disabilities.
Receiving the relief items on behalf of the Adamawa State Government, the Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu and NEMA’s leadership for the swift and thoughtful intervention. She assured that the materials would be distributed equitably and reach those in genuine need.
“We sincerely thank the federal government for this prompt response, and we commend NEMA for its continuous support. These materials will go a long way in providing relief to our people. The Adamawa State Government is committed not only to recovery but also to long-term solutions that will reduce our vulnerability to future disasters,” Professor Farauta said.
She also acknowledged the resilience and patience of the affected communities and reiterated the state’s determination to implement flood mitigation measures, including improved urban planning, public awareness campaigns, and investments in early warning systems.
The relief materials handed over include food items, building materials, hygiene kits, clothing, bedding, and other essential household supplies aimed at supporting displaced families and restoring basic livelihoods.
The seven flood-affected communities in Yola South had experienced severe disruptions following torrential rainfall and overflow of drainage channels, which led to widespread property damage, displacement of residents, and the destruction of farmlands and infrastructure.
NEMA’s intervention, in collaboration with the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), represents a critical step toward recovery for affected households and a reaffirmation of government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and livelihoods during emergencies.
As climate-induced disasters continue to challenge communities across Nigeria, the event underscores the vital role of coordinated emergency response, robust intergovernmental cooperation, and proactive disaster risk management strategies in reducing humanitarian suffering and building national resilience.
July 31, 2025
