Babatunji Wusu –
In a significant step to combat the rising threat of natural disasters, President Bola Tinubu has announced the establishment of a Disaster Relief Fund. This initiative follows the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on Monday.
During a media briefing, Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, highlighted the urgent need for dedicated funding to address the challenges posed by climate change. He referenced the recent catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, which devastated nearly half the city and resulted in loss of life and significant damage to infrastructure.
Edun affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to mobilizing resources from key stakeholders to support the Disaster Relief Fund, emphasizing that this initiative is a proactive measure rather than a reaction to a single event. “This is not just a response to a single event but a proactive measure to prepare for the realities of our changing climate,” he stated, underscoring the need for ongoing funding to address emerging challenges.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Staff to the President Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, along with a majority of the Ministers.