By Kenneth Ehigiator

Canadian government has pledged to assist the Federal Government get out of the country’s current flood problems by providing the Red Cross and Red Crescent $50,000 to help those impacted by the disaster.

Canada’s Minister of International Cooperation, Julian Fantino, who announced this yesterday, said the Canadian government’s assistance would be routed through the Canadian International Development Agency, CIDA.

Fantino said: “Canadians are caring people, and this support is a continuing demonstration of Canadian generosity to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the floods in Nigeria.

“Through CIDA’s partnership with the Red Cross Movement, we are able to ensure that immediate and concrete action is taken to alleviate suffering and provide relief to those who need it most.

“Canada is providing $50,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, through the Canadian Red Cross Society, to help those impacted by the disaster. This funding will help provide housing and other immediate needs to those most affected.”

The Minister said the government of Canada will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure basic needs were met as well as provide further assistance if required.

Heavy rains that began in August have led to the worst flooding in Nigeria in more than 40 years.
The Federal Government reports that as many as 623,900 people had been displaced by flooding in 30 of the 36 states of the federation.

Displaced persons are residing with host families or in makeshift camps. In addition, most of the schools in the affected areas are closed due to the flooding or are housing displaced persons.