• Yobe relocates 250 households to uplands
The Federal Government has signed an Exchange of Notes (E/N) agreement with the People’s Republic of China for a $1 million grant to support ongoing flood relief operations in Northern Nigeria.
The signing ceremony in Abuja was presided over by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, who described the support as a timely and generous intervention to address urgent humanitarian needs in flood-affected communities.
“This gesture reflects the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and China, built on mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared vision for sustainable development,” he said.
Bagudu assured that the ministry, working with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), would oversee transparent and effective use of the funds.
A joint monitoring and evaluation mechanism with the Chinese Embassy will also be established to ensure accountability and measurable impact, he added.
The minister further noted that the grant would complement the country’s existing relief initiatives and restore livelihoods in the hardest-hit areas while also deepening China’s partnership with Nigeria across sectors such as infrastructure, trade, agriculture, and technology.
In his remarks, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, You Dunhai, reaffirmed the Asian nation’s solidarity with Nigeria, especially in times of crisis.
Marking his one-year anniversary in the country, he highlighted the progress in bilateral relations, strengthened by President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China in September 2024.
The envoy pointed to advancements in trade, investment, people-to-people exchanges, and multilateral cooperation, while reiterating China’s continued commitment to the partnership.
He referenced President Xi Jinping’s June 2025 announcement, granting zero-tariff access to all African exports, as part of efforts to boost economic growth and job creation on the continent.
IN a related development, Yobe Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has begun relocation of no fewer than 250 households at Garin Kolo Community in Nangere Local Council of the state.
The exercise followed the resurging floods that destroyed dozens of houses and contaminated water sources. Announcing the relocation order of Governor Mai Mala Buni in Damaturu, SEMA’s Executive Secretary, Dr Mohammed Goje, explained: “The urgent evacuation of approximately 1,500 flood victims to upper lands in the local council was to safeguard their lives with dignity,” stating that 22 temporary shelters had been erected to accommodate 200 households with additional housing facilities to be provided for the remaining flood victims.
Goje said the shelters were furnished with a water reservoir, five emergency toilets, and an ambulance for medical and hospital referrals. Besides sheltering the families, he added: “The Civil Defence Corps and Police personnel are to ensure safety of lives and property during and after the relocation exercise,” noting that vulnerable individuals who require medical attention are being referred by the agency to the Nangere General Hospital along Gashua Road.
