In a show of empathy and corporate responsibility, the Body of Bank Chief Executive Officers in Nigeria has extended critical humanitarian support to flood victims in Niger State, donating essential relief materials and pledging ongoing collaboration with the state government for long-term recovery.
The Executive Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, received the items on Saturday at the Niger State Government Lodge in Abuja. Leading the delegation was Mr. Oliver Alawuba, Chairman of the Body of Bank CEOs and Group Managing Director/CEO of United Bank for Africa (UBA).
The relief materials, which included food items such as bags of rice and beverages, as well as mattresses and other essentials worth millions of naira, are aimed at assisting displaced residents in Mokwa Local Government Area following the recent devastating floods that ravaged the region.
The disaster affected thousands of households, prompting urgent need for intervention. The banking community, under the umbrella of the CEOs’ forum, responded swiftly in what it described as a symbol of solidarity with the people of Niger State.
In his remarks, Alawuba expressed sympathy for the victims and assured them that the banks’ intervention was only the beginning of a larger commitment to support rebuilding efforts.
“We are here not just to present items, but to stand with the people of Niger State in this trying time,” he said. “This donation represents the shared concern of the Nigerian banking industry for the plight of the flood victims. We are committed to walking with you through the journey of recovery.”
Joining Alawuba at the presentation were other top banking executives, including Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank; Mr. Akin Morakinyo, Registrar/CEO of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN); Mr. Hassan Imam, MD/CEO of Keystone Bank; and Mr. Hamid Joda, MD of Taj Bank.
Also present were senior government officials including the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, among others. The event was well attended by media representatives and stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
Governor Bago, who accepted the donations on behalf of the people of Niger State, commended the banking sector for its swift and impactful gesture.
“This intervention is deeply appreciated,” he said. “It shows the value of private sector participation in times of crisis. We welcome this support and hope to deepen our collaboration with the banking industry not only in humanitarian relief but also in broader developmental efforts.”
According to the governor, the floods brought untold hardship to affected communities—displacing families, destroying homes, and crippling local economies. He praised the bank CEOs for going beyond their traditional roles to deliver hope in a time of need.
“What we are witnessing today goes beyond corporate charity. This is an act of genuine concern and nation-building. These items may seem simple, but to the people of Mokwa and other affected areas, they mean comfort, care, and the reassurance that they have not been forgotten,” Bago added.
The governor further described the move as an example of how government and the private sector can work together in crisis response and disaster mitigation, noting that such collaborations are crucial for building a more resilient society.
The initiative by the Body of Bank CEOs reinforces the role of Nigerian financial institutions not only as economic players but as key partners in social welfare and emergency response. Their pledge to continue working with Niger State signals a promising future for sustained and coordinated interventions in disaster-prone regions.
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