UNICEF Visit SEMA Jigawa, Pledges Support for 5,000 Flood Victims

Dr. Haruna Mairiga, Executive Secretary of SEMA, appreciated UNICEF’s gesture and assured them of accurate…

By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has pledged to support approximately 5,000 victims of flooding in Jigawa State. Christiana Valderrama, UNICEF’s Emergency Manager, made this announcement during a visit to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) on Monday, April 22, 2024, at the state secretariat in Dutse.

Valderrama stated that UNICEF plans to support the government through SEMA in providing assistance to flood victims. The funding, part of the European Union’s humanitarian aid, will provide cash transfers to 5,000 families in the state. The support is intended for potential flood victims in the upcoming 2024 rainy season.

During the visit, Valderrama emphasized the importance of understanding risks, opportunities, and challenges related to flooding, particularly those caused by the Tiga Dam. She also expressed her desire to collaborate with SEMA and other stakeholders working on emergency responses.

“We had a workshop with all stakeholders in November, and we would like to see the state flood contingency plan finalized,” Valderrama said. “This will ensure a common understanding and mapping of people who may be affected by floods.”

Dr. Haruna Mairiga, Executive Secretary of SEMA, appreciated UNICEF’s gesture and assured them of accurate and accountable distribution of the cash transfer meant for flood victims. He emphasized that SEMA’s work is not in isolation, but rather in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Ministries of Environment, Works, Health, and Fire Service, among others.

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Mairiga highlighted the importance of each sector contributing its budget to ensure equal representation. He also acknowledged UNICEF’s past experiences in emergency responses and expressed gratitude for their support.

Dr. Mairiga noted that many lives have been lost, and properties destroyed due to flooding. He advised people to relocate from riverbanks to avoid future occurrences and praised the government’s efforts to provide a healthy living condition for victims.