The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says it will provide 200 units of houses for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Kebbi, as part of its efforts to cushion the impact of displacement on them.

The director-general, NEMA, Zubaida Umar, disclosed this at the flag-off of the distribution of emergency relief items to the people affected by recent disasters in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.

“NEMA will provide 200 units of houses to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as part of the agency’s efforts to cushion the effects of their challenges in Kebbi,” said Ms Umar.

She stressed that the state had faced challenges ranging from floods, banditry, and rainstorms, noting, “In spite of these trials, the resilience and resolve of its people remain a beacon of hope.”

Ms Umar decried the devastating flood and rainstorm disasters in the Shanga, Suru, Bunza, Danko-Wasagu, Koko-Bese, and Augie Local Government Areas of Kebbi.

The disasters, according to the NEMA DG, displaced thousands of families and increased the vulnerabilities of already fragile communities.

“Today’s handover and flag-off of relief materials distribution is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the federal government under the able leadership of President Bola Tinubu, based on the Renewed Hope mantra,” she said.

Ms Umar added that the donated items would further complement the ongoing efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate rainstorm/windstorm and flood-affected communities in the state.

She commended Governor Nasir Idris and his team for their proactive and unwavering efforts in managing disasters and supporting the people of the state.

“NEMA remains committed to working closely with your government to strengthen disaster management and resilience-building in the State.

“As we hand over these relief items today, let us remember that our collective efforts are not just about responding to disasters but also building a safer, more resilient future for all Nigerians.

“On this note, I, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, hereby, present to the Kebbi State Government the approved relief items, comprising of food and non-food items as per attached list for onward distribution to persons affected by the recent rainstorm/windstorm and flood in the state,” the director-general said.

Responding, Mr Idris commended the agency for its proactiveness in disaster cases across the country, noting that the state had always distributed relief materials from NEMA to the IDPs judiciously.

He informed the agency that the state government had constituted a committee on disaster cases since 2024.

Mr Idris said the committee had been enlightening the people living in flood-prone areas to avoid and reduce casualties during flooding.

The governor urged the agency to inform the state government at any time the flag off of construction of the 200 housing units for IDPs would be carried out in the state.

(NAN)