A former National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Sani Zorro, has appealed to the media to lead the efforts in rebuilding Maiduguri, Borno State, after the city was overrun by flood.
Mr Zorro made the appeal during an interview in Kano.
He said this was imperative given the critical importance of the media in mobilising support from corporate organisations and wealthy individuals in times of need.
Mr Zorro, a former Chairman of the House Committee on IDPs, Migrants, Refugees and FG Initiative on the North East Zone, described the flood’s impact as “unfortunate.”
He expressed sadness over the incident caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam, noting this had affected more than 239,000 people.
Describing the disaster as the worst in over 30 years, he said it had caused untold trauma to residents of Maiduguri.
Mr Zorro underscored the severity of the disaster, noting that 40 per cent of farmlands in Maiduguri had been submerged, exacerbating food insecurity.
He stressed the need for the media to highlight the victims’ plight to facilitate relief and rehabilitation for them.
He also urged all stakeholders to unite in providing necessary support to alleviate the sufferings of victims.
Mr Zorro further emphasised the urgent need to promptly provide victims with shelter, food and non-food items, and educational materials, WASH facilities and drugs.
(NAN)
