Lagos State Donates N150m To North East

The Lagos State government has donated the sum of N150 million to three North East states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa to assist victims of the Boko Haram insurgency.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said the funds donated by the state are to be channeled towards the alleviation of the plight of victims of terror activities.

He said this, while presenting N50 million cheques to each of the states at the inaugural meeting of the National Council of State (NCS) which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Rock, Abuja.

Ambode told the council of state that Lagos State government was touched by the plight of victims of Boko Haram terror activities which was affecting not only states in the North East but also other parts of the country.

According to him, the donation meant to ameliorate the plight of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the three northern states became necessary because Lagos considers the gory activities of the insurgents as traumatic to the people.

The governor said, “There is no gainsaying the fact that the emergence of Boko Haram and its devastating activities is a single challenge facing us as a nation. Though, the insurgence is basically limited to the north-eastern part of Nigeria, the effect is felt everywhere across the states of the federation.

“Recently, at the just concluded 21st National Economic Summit of the National Economic Summit Group (NESG) in Abuja, the Secretary to Government of the Federation presented a graphic and heart-rending report of the extent of damage and social trauma brought about by insurgency in the region.

He said, “Our security agencies also deserve commendation for their gallantry, courage and resolve to ensure that the directive of Mr. President and indeed the wish of all Nigerians is achieved.

“Notwithstanding the hard times resulting from the current economic situation, we have resolved to show leadership and compassion to the plight of our brothers and sisters in North-Eastern Nigeria.

“It is therefore in demonstration of our commitment towards bringing succour and relief to thousands of the IDPs that we present this donation of N50 million each to the governments of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary states, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State expressed gratitude for the empathy and support showed by the government and people of Lagos State under the leadership of Ambode.

Noting that the donation was coming in their hours of need, Shettima promised that it would be used for the purpose for which it was given.

“I believe that when the history of this event will be written, the name of Lagos will be mentioned in gold for identifying with us and showing empathy to our people in our hours of need”, he stated.