A consortium of Nigerian Bank CEOs on Saturday delivered relief materials in aid of the victims of the recent flood in Niger State.
Delivering the materials on behalf of the group, its Chairman, who is also the Group Managing Director/CEO of United Bank for Africa(UBA), Oliver Alawuba, pledged more significant support by its members to alleviate the suffering of flood victims.
The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, received the materials in Abuja.
Mr Alawuba who led the delegation to the Niger State Government house Abuja for the presentation, said the gesture was aimed at supporting victims of the recent devastating floods in Mokwa Local Government Area of the state.
The relief materials valued at millions of Naira, included bags of rice, beverages, vegetable oil, and mattresses.
Alawuba said the group was moved to make the presentation following reports about the devastating impact of the floods, which affected thousands of families in the region.
He said the banking community decided to come together in a show of empathy and support to those displaced and affected by the disaster.
Expressing the banking industry’s deep sympathy for the affected communities, Alawuba reaffirmed the group’s dedication to sustainable support, pointing out that the gesture underscores their commitment to corporate social responsibility and humanitarian intervention, especially in times of crisis.
“Today, we stand with the people of Niger State in their time of need. We want you to know that we feel your pain and we give you our firm resolve to assist in rebuilding lives. This donation is just the beginning. We pledge continued collaboration with the Niger State Government to ensure long-term recovery and resilience,” he said.
Other top CEOs and executives at the presentation included the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Mr. Akin Morakinyo, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Keystone Bank Limited, Mr. Hassan Imam; Managing Director Taj Bank Mr. Hamid Joda; Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, senior government officials, banking executives, and media representatives, marking a significant step in public-private collaboration for humanitarian relief.
Governor Bago, who received the relief materials on behalf of the state government, commended the banking sector for its timely intervention.
“This gesture reinforces the critical role of private-sector partnerships in disaster response,” the governor said.
“We are grateful for this support and look forward to deeper collaboration in safeguarding our communities against future challenges. On behalf of the good people of Niger State, particularly the affected families in Mokwa, I extend our sincerest thanks for this timely and compassionate intervention. It has reassured our people that they are not forgotten,” the governor stated.
“The recent floods in the state brought immense hardship to the people, displacing families, destroying livelihoods, and disrupting communities and the banking sector, under the leadership of Alawuba and his esteemed colleagues, has demonstrated that beyond financial stewardship, they are true partners in national development and humanitarian service,” he said.
He noted that the donation was not just about the physical items, but also a symbol of hope, resilience, and the unwavering support of Nigeria’s financial institutions in times of need.
