COMMITTEE OF BANKS IN NIGERIA DONATES RELIEF MATERIALS WORTH MILLIONS TO JIGAWA FLOOD VICTIMS

The Committee of Banks in Nigeria has extended its support to victims of the recent flooding in Jigawa State through a solidarity visit to Dutse, the state capital. During the visit, the committee donated an array of relief materials to the Jigawa State Government as part of their contribution to assist those affected by the September 2024 floods.

The donated items included food supplies such as bags of rice, cartons of vegetable oil, beverages, and mattresses. These were presented to Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi by a delegation led by Dr. Oliver Alawuba, Chairman of the Committee of Banks in Nigeria and Group Managing Director/CEO of United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA). Other prominent bank executives present included Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna of Access Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji of Zenith Bank, and Dr. (Mrs.) Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe of Fidelity Bank.

In his remarks, Dr. Alawuba expressed the banking sector’s solidarity with the people of Jigawa State, acknowledging the devastating impact of the floods. He emphasized the banks' commitment to alleviating the suffering of affected residents by providing essential resources. The donated items aim to support the recovery efforts of displaced individuals and strengthen public institutions, particularly hospitals.

“This initiative demonstrates our collective responsibility as financial institutions to support communities in times of need. We are deeply moved by the suffering caused by this natural disaster and are committed to helping the victims rebuild their lives,” Dr. Alawuba stated.

He further highlighted the banking sector’s history of humanitarian interventions, including contributions to disaster relief efforts during past floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. He underscored the banks’ role in fostering national development and providing critical support to vulnerable populations.

Governor Namadi expressed profound gratitude for the banks’ generous gesture, describing it as an unprecedented show of solidarity. He assured that the relief materials would be judiciously distributed to the intended beneficiaries and emphasized the state government’s commitment to collaborating with financial institutions for socio-economic development.

“We are deeply touched by your visit and contribution. This support brings hope to our people and reinforces the belief that we are not alone in this difficult time,” Governor Namadi remarked.

Other notable attendees at the event included Mr. Rasheed Bolarinwa, President of the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB), and Mr. Akin Morakinyo, Registrar/CEO of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), among others.

The donation marks yet another example of the Nigerian banking sector’s dedication to addressing societal challenges and supporting the well-being of citizens.