By Salihu Inusa, Maiduguri
THE Personal Assistant Domestic (NORTH-EAST), office of the Vice -President Kashim Shettima, Comrade Mahmud Muhammad, has expressed commendation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for graciously approving the sum of N80 billion for the immediate reconstruction and expansion of the Alau Dam, Konduga local government area in Borno state.
Recall that the Dam which serve as a major source of drinking water to Maiduguri residents was constructed in 1984–1986. It also has a major reservoir on the Ngadda River, one of the tributaries of Lake Chad. Unfortunately, in September 2024, the dam collapsed, which caused severe flooding in Maiduguri, some parts of Konduga and Jere local government areas killing hundreds of people, with at least 500,000 people displaced, as critical infrastructures worth billions of naira destroyed.
The approval according to the Minister of Water Resources and sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev was sequel to the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting presided by President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja on Tuesday 4th February, 2025.
Comrade Mahmud in a press statement he signed, a copy which was made available to newsmen in Maiduguri on Wednesday described the intervention by the federal government as timely and life-saving.
He said, “We in Borno and the entire North East are very much happy with the approval made by FEC presided over by Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last Tuesday who graciously gave immediate approval of N80 billion for the reconstruction and expansion of the Alau Dam.
“We are indeed very grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fulfilling his Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA) to Nigerians. We also used this opportunity to thank the Vice-President, Senator Kashim Shettima for his loyalty, commitment and dedication to the administration of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which is determined to better the lives of all Nigerians.
” Let me stressed that this intervention by the federal government is timely and life-saving, as the resilient people in Borno, especially victims of the flood disaster have resettled back, and ever ready to grab all socio -economic opportunities provided to them by government to earn means of Livelihood.
“I also thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his wife, Senator Remi Tinubu, his son Mr. Seyi Tinubu and all those who have donated handsomely to the Basket of the Borno State Flood Relief and Disbursement Committee, which have assisted tremendously in cushioning the economic hardships faced by victims last year”. Comrade Muhammad stated.
He therefore called upon the people of Borno, the North East and the entire Nation to continue give their maximum support and cooperation to the present administration, and to pray for peace, unity and progress for collective good and prosperity.
