By Abdul Kareem

In Borno State, northeast Nigeria, hope shines for the thousands affected by the devastating floods of 2022 as Governor Babagana Zulum spearheads the delivery of the Special National Economic and Livelihood Intervention Program (SNELEI). 

 SNELEI is a nationwide federal government initiative conceived in 2022 in response to the widespread devastation caused by flooding in numerous communities.

Approximately 11,000 individuals across 27 local government areas of Borno.are set to benefit from the program, which has been initiated by the federal government and orchestrated by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) with support of the State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA). 

Borno SSG flanked by officials of NEMA, SEMA presenting the relief items to beneficiaries

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Bukar Tijjani, representing Governor Babagana Zulum, highlighted the significance of the aid. 

“The distribution of these vital resources comes at a critical time for our citizens, equipping them with the necessary tools to rebuild and move forward,” he said.

The relief package, according to the Borno state coordinator,  includes a substantial provision of agricultural supplies and equipment aimed at reviving the local agrarian economy, as well as other tools to support the broader socio-economic recovery of the community. The aid reflects a significant level of forethought and coordination between various levels of government and agencies.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has received gratitude from the governor for its role in this substantial relief effort. “We are deeply thankful to President Tinubu for the SNELEI program, which will significantly alleviate the hardships faced by our people,” Governor Zulum stated.

The SNELEI initiative, while significant for Borno, is part of a nationwide relief campaign, with all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory receiving similar support. 

Beneficiaries atstandinv by their provided relief items

The Borno state Supervisor of SNELEI said “The program’s implementation followed comprehensive assessments and rescue operations conducted by NEMA and various State Emergency Management Agencies, ensuring that the most vulnerable were identified and prioritized for assistance.

Local government representatives, including the Caretaker Chairman of Hawul LGA, Hon. Inuwa Bwala, echoed the sentiment of gratitude and the importance of involving local stakeholders in the distribution process to ensure successful delivery to the intended recipients.

In his vote of thanks, Suraj Garba, the Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, praised the federal government for honoring its pledge to support the flood-affected communities and acknowledged the diligent supervision of the SSG to ensure the program’s smooth execution.

“We urge all beneficiaries to make the most of this opportunity to better their living conditions,”  he said, emphasizing the structured distribution approach to ensure fairness and order.

The gesture has not gone unnoticed by those it aims to help. 

Flood victims from various backgrounds expressed their heartfelt thanks for the government’s remembrance and support, even two years after the floods changed their lives. This program represents a step towards healing and resilience for the communities of Borno State.