Flood relief committee targets N100bn

Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation is set to raise about N100bn to complement government’s efforts at bringing succour to the victims of the recent flooding across the country.

The committee, being co-chaired by businessman, Aliko Dangote and Lagos-based lawyer, Olisa Agbakoba, said it hoped to bring smiles back to the faces of the displaced persons who are currently being sheltered in makeshift camps in different parts of the country.

In a letter to the invitees, co-signed by Dangote and Agbakoba, the committee urged all to give generously to wipe away tears from the faces of fellow citizens who are victims of the natural rage in Abuja on Thursday when the fundraising dinner will hold.

The letter read in part, “We are pleased to formally notify you that, in furtherance of our mandate and under the auspices of Mr President, a fund-raising dinner will take place at 7.30pm on Thursday in Aso Rock, Abuja.”

Meanwhile, Chairman, National Task Force on Health Response to Flood, Prof. Aminu Nasidi, has warned that the aftermath of the flooding may throw up outbreak of diseases.

He added that if the situation was not well handled, it might lead to epidemic of yellow fever.

Nasidi spoke in Lokoja during a visit to the Governor of Kogi State, Capt Idris Wada (retd).

A statement by Press Secretary to the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Michael Abu, on Sunday stated that the Deputy Governor, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, represented the governor.

Nasidi, who is also Director, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, also delivered anti-snake bite venom to the state government.

He said the flood was accompanied by several recorded cases of snake bites, adding that the flood had increased the population of vectors like mosquitoes.

Awoniyi urged victims whose homes were roofed with asbestos, to avoid settling in them now to avoid a disease known as asbestosis.

He also said most of the submerged homes must be fumigated.