The Committee of Banks in Nigeria on Thursday extended their solidarity to the victims of the recent flooding in some parts of Jigawa State, by visiting Dutse, the state capital. During the visit, they donated various relief materials to the State Government as part of their efforts to alleviate the suffering of those impacted by the September 2024 natural disaster.
The donation, which included food items such as bags of rice, cartons of vegetable cooking oil, mattresses, and beverages, was presented to the Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar A. Namadi, by a high-powered delegation from the Committee of Banks in Nigeria. The delegation was led by their Chairman and Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO) of United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), Dr. Oliver Alawuba.
Other bank CEOs who joined the delegation included Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc; Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc; and Dr. (Mrs.) Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, GMD/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc.
In his remarks while presenting the relief materials, Dr. Alawuba stated that the bankers’ gesture was a demonstration of empathy for the government, the people of Jigawa State, and, especially, those who were severely impacted by the floods. He explained that the relief materials were aimed at supporting ongoing multi-stakeholder efforts to help flood victims recover, as well as assisting critical institutions, such as public hospitals, that care for the affected residents.
“I stand before you today as Chairman of the Committee of Banks in Nigeria, to express our solidarity with the Government and people of Jigawa State. We are here to empathize with the State Government, the families, and loved ones of those who were severely impacted by the floods that occurred in September this year. We pray for the souls lost in the devastating floods and for comfort for their families. We also pray for the recovery and restoration of those who lost properties and valuables,” he said.
Dr. Alawuba further emphasized: “We are here today to offer a hand of help to the State Government by donating relief materials worth several millions of Naira in support of the affected residents and the institutions that provide care, such as public hospitals. We believe these materials, including food items such as rice, vegetable cooking oil, mattresses, and beverages, will provide comfort and ease the burden on the victims of the floods.”
The Chairman of the Committee of Banks in Nigeria also highlighted the banking sector’s commitment to the well-being of Nigerians, especially in times of crisis. “As bankers, we are not only concerned about the economic implications of natural disasters but are also deeply moved by the human suffering they cause. We believe it is our collective responsibility to support those affected and help them rebuild their lives,” he stated.
Dr. Alawuba also affirmed that the gesture reflected the Nigerian banking sector’s leadership in driving positive change in society. He assured that banks would continue to collaborate to support those in need, promote economic growth, and contribute to the well-being of the nation.
He expressed his gratitude to the CEOs of Nigerian banks for their generosity and commitment to the relief effort. “Your support underscores our unwavering passion for national development and the care we show for the environment in which we operate,” he commended.
Dr. Alawuba reminded everyone of the long history of commitment by Nigerian banks to the welfare of the people and the environment, citing interventions in the aftermath of the 2011 and 2013 floods, as well as support for COVID-19 response efforts. He further emphasized the banking sector’s role in assisting businesses through stabilization funds during the pandemic and in aiding the recovery of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
He also highlighted the role of Nigerian banks in supporting key initiatives in other sectors, including security. He mentioned the banks’ ongoing support for the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, which has served as a model for other states. He also pointed to the banks’ support in rebuilding police stations destroyed during the #EndSARS protests in 2020, providing more suitable workspaces for law enforcement officers.
The bankers commended Governor Namadi, the federal and state governments, donor agencies, and other stakeholders for their efforts in responding to the needs of the flood victims. They stressed the importance of collective action in making a meaningful difference in society and building a prosperous nation.
In his response, Governor Namadi expressed his sincere gratitude to the Committee of Banks in Nigeria for their humanitarian gesture, describing it as a rare and heartfelt demonstration of love, care, and empathy. He acknowledged the significance of having four major bank CEOs leave their offices to show solidarity with the flood victims.
“On behalf of the government and people of Jigawa State, I want to sincerely thank you for this visit. What you have done today shows love, care, and maturity. I don’t think we have ever experienced such a gesture before,” he said.
Governor Namadi assured that the state government would continue to seek opportunities for collaboration with financial institutions as key enablers of socio-economic growth. He added that the support from the banks had significantly aided the effort to help flood victims return to normal life.
He further assured that the donated relief materials would be used judiciously to reach those in need. “These people have suffered greatly, having lost their livelihoods. But with the support of people like you, they now have hope. We truly appreciate this gesture and do not take it for granted. We pray that God will replenish your resources for all you have done for our people,” Governor Namadi stated.
Other notable figures on the delegation included Mr. Rasheed Bolarinwa, President of the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB), and Mr. Akin Morakinyo, Registrar/CEO of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
