Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) has launched a cash-for-rent support programme for 102 households, covering two months. The programme aims to provide shelter for the households displaced by the recent flood in Pokitsun town.
Executive Secretary of YOSEMA, Mohammad Goje, disclosed on Monday that the intervention would enable the affected families to rebuild their livelihoods. Goje lauded development partners, UNICEF, WHO, NEMA, NEDC and security agencies, for their continuous support.
He continued that 600 displaced persons had been taking refuge at Sabon Gari Primary School following the flood that destroyed their homes. In addition, the victims have been linked by YOSEMA with local agents to access accommodation.
Goje explained that the intervention followed profiling and assessment of needs in affected communities, hit by windstorms and farmer-herder clashes. Free meals, blankets, mats, among others, are promised by the agency beyond the rent support to cushion their losses.
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He noted that the support is part of the government’s commitment to transparency and peacebuilding in disaster-prone communities. Goje revealed that YOSEMA had completed and registered seven out of 21 affected communities, as of August 16.
The registered communities consist of 361 households and 2,634 individuals, while validation is still ongoing for the unregistered communities. Reports say that the flood left one person dead and destroyed several homes in Potiskum.
Meanwhile, the state government has vowed to distribute cash assistance to 111 survivors in the Jakusko Local Government Area today. Also, the state governor, Mai Buni, has directed SEMA to adopt a proactive approach by strengthening community coping mechanisms.
