Buhari govt will address flooding permanently – Osinbajo

*Says resources meant to address specific challenges must be properly managed

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at one of the flooded areas, flanked by Babatunde Raji Fashola, Min. of Power, Works and Housing
Photo: Novo Isioro

Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo has visited Benue State following heavily flooding in the state that has left over 100,000 people homeless.

Osinbajo who called for proper management of resources voted to address the issue, noted that, the problem of flooding in Benue ‘cannot be solved overnight’.

“We must ensure that funds that are meant to address issues like this 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,” a statement issued by Laolu Akande, spokesman to Osinbajo read.

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During a courtesy visit to the Tor Tiv and other members of Benue State Traditional Council, Osinbajo said he was impressed with level leadership provided in the state.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo inspecting drugs during his visit to Benue State
Photo: Novo Isioro

“I bring you greetings from His Excellency, the President, who has been very concerned about this issue of flooding in Benue State and one of the reasons why he felt it is important that I come personally and come with the Ministers of Power, Works and Housing; Environment and, of course, the Minister of Agriculture and the DG, NEMA, is that we have to find a permanent solution to this issue of flooding in Benue State.

“If you look at the issue, it does suggests that the flooding is not just now, it is a perennial thing and it will continue to be so, and it will continue to do damage if we don’t take permanent and direct steps to address the challenge that we are faced with here in Benue State.

“So, this visit is important because I intend not just to look around because there is not much that we can see given the fact that we are just here for a couple of hours, but we will be discussing with His Excellency, the Governor and, of course, the Tor Tiv, to look carefully at what we need to do solve this problem.

“I think that it 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.

He added that, “Funds that ought to have been used to address this challenge just 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 the governor has shown the commitment to do the right thing.

“You have a great opportunity with the kind of leadership that you have in the State to turn things around.

“But in all of these we have to be consistent and cooperate with the state government and other authorities in the state because the problem cannot be solved overnight.

“We must be faithful to the solutions proposed by the authorities and with patience these issues will be addressed.

Once again, I want to thank your Royal Highness for the honour of receiving us here today,” he said.