Nigerian banks have collectively donated more than N500 million in cash and relief materials to victims of recent devastating floods in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.
The initiative aims to ease the humanitarian crisis caused by one of the region’s worst flooding incidents in years.
The donation was officially presented on Saturday at the Niger State Government Liaison Office in Abuja by the Body of Bank Chief Executive Officers, led by the Group Managing Director of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr. Oliver Alawuba.
Speaking on behalf of the bank executives, Alawuba—who also chairs the Body of Bank CEOs—described the intervention as an act of compassion and social responsibility.
He acknowledged the delay in response but assured that the support reflects the banking sector’s long-term commitment to humanitarian efforts.
“It is with a deep sense of responsibility and compassion that I stand before you today,” Alawuba said. “Our presence underscores our collective commitment to alleviating the suffering of those affected by the devastating floods in Mokwa. While our response may have taken time, it is rooted in a deep concern and responsibility to our communities.”
The relief package includes food items such as bags of rice, beverages, cooking oil, and mattresses—intended to offer immediate support to displaced families. Alawuba added that the donation also symbolizes the banks’ shared belief that financial sector stability is closely tied to the well-being of Nigerian communities.
Top executives from several banks were present, including Zenith Bank’s GMD Dame Adaora Umeoji, Keystone Bank’s MD Hassan Imam, TAJ Bank’s MD Hamid Joda, and the Registrar of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Mr. Akin Morakinyo.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, who received the donations, expressed gratitude for what he called a compassionate and timely intervention. He revealed that Zenith Bank had earlier donated N300 million, UBA contributed N200 million, while other banks provided both financial and material support.
Describing the flooding as a consequence of clogged waterways and aging hydropower infrastructure, Bago said the state—home to four major hydropower dams and more than 90 water bodies—has faced worsening floods due to climate change and outdated designs.
“These floods have displaced families, destroyed livelihoods, and isolated entire communities. This kind of corporate response from the banking industry is not just timely—it is commendable,” he said.
Read Also: https://fusionchronicles.ng/relief-in-adamawa-as-police-recover-two-missing-children/
The governor called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors in tackling climate-related disasters, particularly through investments in irrigation, water infrastructure, and food export initiatives to strengthen resilience and reduce flood risks.
