. . . as FG tasks stakeholders on judicious use of intervention funds
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday described flooding as a long standing problem in the country just as he lamented the disappearance of special intervention funds earmarked to address such challenges, noting that the loss of such funds can be traced to the ‘previous administration.’
He therefore called on stakeholders to ensure judicious management of special intervention funds while restating the commitment of the Buhari administration to sustainably address the challenges of flooding in Nigeria.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity in the Office of the Vice President, Mr Laolu Akande quoted the Vice President Osinbajo as saying: “We must ensure that funds that are meant to address issues like flooding are properly managed, but we have to be consistent and cooperate with the state government and other authorities because the problem cannot be solved overnight,” the vice president said, adding that stakeholders must consider solutions proposed by relevant authorities, noting that such considerations will significantly contribute to solving the problem.
Osinbajo, who spoke on Wednesday 6th September in Makurdi, during a courtesy visit to the monarch of the Tiv nation, Professor James Ayatse and other members of the Benue State Traditional Council, said he took ‘keen interest’ in Ayatse’s ascension to the throne as well as his remarkable antecedents.
‘Flooding is a problem that has been long-standing. Unfortunately, we have not necessarily seen the commitment that ought to have been shown to the problem.
“Funds that ought to have been used to address this challenge disappeared, especially during the previous government. I think that whatever initiative we choose to adopt, we must ensure that funds that are meant to address issues like this are properly managed, and I think governor Ortom has demonstrated the commitment to do the right thing.
“I want to say that personally, I have been very impressed with what I have seen at every level with the kind of leadership that you have provided for your people. I think it is a good example of the kind of leadership that we will like for our country; one that is very noble, one that is able to bring people together rather than divide.
“I think that it is also backed by your strong belief in faith and I am very pleased to see that you have demonstrated all of that and I thank you very much for it.
Discussing the Tor Tiv as an enviable resource for the Tiv nation, the Vice President said: “Being a state where agriculture is very important, and being a former Vice Chancellor of a university of Agriculture, there is a lot that this State will benefit from your experience.”
“Flooding is not just now, it is a perennial thing and it will continue to be so, and we will continue to do damage unless we take permanent steps to address it.
