The Committee of Banks in Nigeria has demonstrated a significant act of solidarity with victims of the recent floods in Jigawa State, donating multimillion Naira worth of relief materials to the state government. The gesture was unveiled during a visit to Dutse, the state capital, on Thursday, where a high-powered delegation led by Dr. Oliver Alawuba, Chairman of the Committee of Banks in Nigeria and Group Managing Director/CEO of United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), presented the items to Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi.
The relief materials, which included food items such as bags of rice, cartons of vegetable oil, mattresses, and beverages, were aimed at alleviating the plight of residents severely impacted by the September 2024 floods. The delegation also included prominent CEOs, including Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna of Access Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji of Zenith Bank Plc, and Dr. (Mrs.) Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe of Fidelity Bank Plc.
Speaking during the presentation, Dr. Alawuba emphasized the banking sector’s commitment to supporting Nigerians in times of need. He expressed deep empathy for the flood victims, stating that the gesture was part of efforts to support the multi-stakeholder initiative in aiding the affected residents.
“As bankers, we are not just concerned about the economic implications of natural disasters; we are deeply troubled by the human suffering that accompanies them,” Dr. Alawuba said. He added that the donations were targeted at providing comfort and lessening the burdens faced by the victims while supporting critical institutions like public hospitals.
Dr. Alawuba highlighted the banking sector’s history of humanitarian interventions, citing examples such as their contributions to COVID-19 relief through the CACOVID Fund and post-pandemic support for businesses. He noted that similar efforts had been undertaken during previous floods in 2011 and 2013.
Governor Namadi, in his response, expressed profound gratitude to the Committee of Banks in Nigeria for their empathy and care. He lauded the presence of top bank executives in the state, describing their visit as a rare demonstration of solidarity and support.
“This visit shows a serious sign of love, care, and maturity. Your efforts have boosted our ability to support the flood victims and bring them back to normalcy,” Governor Namadi stated. He assured that the relief materials would be judiciously distributed to the affected communities.
The delegation also 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), among others.
The gesture underscores the banking sector’s commitment to social responsibility and its role as a critical enabler of socio-economic development. Through initiatives like this, the Committee of Banks in Nigeria continues to demonstrate leadership in addressing societal challenges and fostering national growth.